Joe and Anthony Russo are dealing out of Magic: The Gathering. According to Deadline, the brothers are vacating their roles as executive producers on Netflix’s animated series based on the long-running trading card game.
The Russos signed on to produce the show in 2019, and initially had bold plans for the series’ universe. At one point, they even suggested that a live-action spinoff was possible. The brothers were originally working with Henry Gilroy and Jose Molina, who were set to be the series’ showrunners. However, it sounds like Gilroy and Molina are leaving the project as well.
In their place, Netflix has selected former Transformers Prime producer Jeff Kline as Magic’s new executive producer and showrunner. The streamer is also fleshing out the series’ staff with a new team of writers. That includes Nicole Dubuc, Russell Sommer, Dan Frey, and Taneka Stotts. Additionally, Steve Melching has come aboard as story editor and co-executive producer. Audu Paden, and Izzy Medrano have also joined the series as supervising director and art director, respectively.
RELATED: Russo Bros. Say Magic: The Gathering May Get Live-Action Spinoff
“I’m grateful to the Russos for bringing me into the world of Magic: The Gathering – specifically, over dinner at one of their go-to Cleveland restaurants,” said Kline in a new statement. “Magic is one of those rare intellectual properties with such a wellspring of mythology that ‘picking and choosing’ is half the battle. Every single person working on the series understands how beloved this universe is — and feels both the exhilaration and tremendous pressure that comes with translating Magic across mediums.”
Netflix also issued a joint statement with eOne and Wizards of the Coast about the latest shakeup:
“While the Russo Brothers are no longer part of the animated series, their passion for the game combined with their early creative perspective and input helped us to shape the project to a place where we believe fans of the game and those new to the ‘Gathering Universe’ will enjoy the series and discover what millions of fans around the globe have known for the past 25 years” the statement reads.
Netflix still hasn’t announced a premiere date for Magic: The Gathering.
How do you feel about the Russos stepping down from the series? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
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