Magic Fans Convinced Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere Will Join Universes Beyond

Thematic similarities between Planeswalkers and Worldhoppers make a Cosmere collaboration feel inevitable.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:48pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered, glittering glass shards in dramatic high-contrast lighting, conceptually representing the intersection of fantasy storytelling and gaming.A collaboration between Magic: The Gathering and Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe could unite two passionate fantasy fanbases.Seattle Today

Wizards of the Coast has found success with its Universes Beyond sub-brand, allowing Magic: The Gathering to tap into existing franchises. While some crossovers have been awkward, author Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere series is seen as a perfect fit, given the thematic similarities to Magic's planes and Planeswalkers. Sanderson is a lifelong Magic fan, and has even designed custom mechanics for the game. Though Wizards approached him about a potential collaboration, nothing has materialized yet, but fans remain hopeful a Cosmere-themed Magic set is on the horizon.

Why it matters

The Cosmere's themes of interconnected worlds and magical travelers would seamlessly integrate with Magic's core lore, potentially appealing to both Sanderson's dedicated fanbase and longtime Magic players. A successful Cosmere crossover could also open the door for more literary-inspired Magic expansions.

The details

Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere spans multiple planets, each with their own civilizations and magic systems, similar to Magic's planes and Planeswalkers. Sanderson has said his worldbuilding has been shaped by his love of tabletop RPGs like Magic's sister game Dungeons & Dragons. He's also previously collaborated with Wizards, writing the Innistrad-set novella 'Children of the Nameless' in 2018. In 2024, Sanderson revealed Wizards had approached him about a Universes Beyond set, though nothing materialized. Sanderson has expressed a willingness to be heavily involved in the development of any Cosmere-themed Magic expansion.

  • In 2018, Sanderson wrote the 'Children of the Nameless' novella set in Magic's Innistrad world.
  • At a 2024 Q&A, Sanderson said Wizards had approached him about a Cosmere Universes Beyond set, but he never heard back.
  • In 2025, Sanderson previewed a card from the 'Tarkir: Dragonstorm' Magic set and visited Wizards' headquarters.

The players

Brandon Sanderson

A popular fantasy author whose interconnected 'Cosmere' book series features themes and mechanics that closely align with Magic: The Gathering.

Wizards of the Coast

The company that publishes Magic: The Gathering and has found success with its 'Universes Beyond' sub-brand, allowing the game to crossover with other popular franchises.

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What they’re saying

“I do think it is probably something that will happen, assuming MTG doesn't fall apart. If the wheels don't come off by trying to do so many sets in one year, I think it is something that will eventually happen. I am in a place where I can wait to do it, until they are willing to give me the full set or something like that.”

— Brandon Sanderson, Author

What’s next

Wizards of the Coast has not officially announced any plans for a Cosmere-themed Magic: The Gathering expansion, but fans remain hopeful that the thematic fit and Sanderson's enthusiasm for the collaboration will lead to an official announcement in the near future.

The takeaway

Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere book series shares deep thematic connections with the core concepts of Magic: The Gathering, making it an ideal candidate for a future Universes Beyond crossover. Sanderson's passion for the game and willingness to be involved in the development process could result in a highly anticipated and successful collaboration between the two fantasy franchises.