In modern-day Manhattan, a powerful sorcerer named Balthazar Blake discovers a young man named Dave Stutler, who unknowingly possesses great magical potential. Balthazar, a disciple of the legendary Merlin, has been searching for a successor to help defeat his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath, and to prevent the rise of the evil sorceress Morgana le Fay. Dave, a seemingly ordinary physics student, is reluctantly drawn into this mystical world where Balthazar begins to mentor him in the art of sorcery. As Dave struggles to harness his newfound powers, he learns about the ancient conflict between good and evil sorcerers and the critical role he is destined to play.

As Dave's training progresses, he finds himself increasingly caught between his normal life and his fate as a sorcerer. Balthazar imparts crucial knowledge and skills to Dave, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and courage in wielding magic. Alongside his growing abilities, Dave also grapples with personal challenges, including rekindling a relationship with his childhood crush, Becky, and maintaining his academic pursuits. As old rivalries reignite and dark forces gather strength, the stage is set for a climactic confrontation that will determine the fate of humanity and the balance of magical power.