Turtle Power

Eyebolls has created a hybrid live-action and animated launch film for Magic: The Gathering, introducing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as part of Wizards of the Coast’s expanding Universes Beyond strategy. Directed by Phil Hawkins with animation from Tony Cervone, the project blends live-action, hand-drawn animation and VFX to unite two globally recognised properties.

Approached as a short film rather than a traditional product spot, the work builds a narrative-driven structure that allows both worlds to coexist naturally. Eyebolls handled the project end-to-end, from early concept through production and post, carefully balancing the expectations of Magic’s fanbase with the legacy of the Turtles, while maintaining close collaboration with Wizards of the Coast throughout.

The film marks the Turtles’ first on-screen appearance within the Magic universe, with animation focused on preserving their established personalities while subtly adapting them to fit the game’s tone. The result is a carefully calibrated crossover that delivers both a major fan-facing announcement and a cohesive piece of entertainment, reinforcing Wizards’ broader strategy of integrating iconic external franchises into Magic’s evolving world.