Get your properties ready because it looks like the long gestating Film adaptation of the beloved board game "Monopoly' has just passed go. Deadline just broke the news that Lionsgate Pictures and Hasbro Toys are teaming up to bring the turn of the century capitalism simulator to a cinema near you.
According to the report, Academy Award Nominee Andrew Niccol, the man behind acclaimed films like The Truman Show and Gattaca will be penning the screenplay. The AV club mentions that a Monopoly film has been stuck in the Hollywood pipeline for years. At one point Universal Pictures almost brought the film to life with Gladiator helmer Ridley Scott signed on as director. However it seems like Hasbro has finally found the right match with Lionsgate and Niccol.
The film's official press release describes it as a "visually sumptuous and heart warming film for all ages." Here's a brief outline of what we can expect from the plot:
"The story centers on a boy from Baltic Avenue who uses both Chance and Community in a quest to make his fortune, taking him on a fun, adventure-filled journey. It's about making your own luck, what makes you truly rich and, of course, avoiding Jail time!"
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erik Feig calls the board game "a signature brand ...that has multigenerational appeal." And speaks highly Niccol, saying that he "is an inspired choice to develop this timeless property into a big, crowd-pleasing event film that will appeal to kids, families and anyone who has ever played the Monopoly game."
There isn't much precedent for film's based on board games in Hollywood. The last time Hasbro tried to bring one of their properties to screen with 2012's 'Battleship', things didn't go so well. Here's hoping Monopoly does better.
