From Barbie to The Super Mario Bros. to Hot Wheels and more, the era for movie adaptations of toys and games is here, and in full force. Next up? A Monopoly movie.
That’s right, after closing a $500 million deal to to acquire Entertainment One (eOne) from Hasbro, Lionsgate has put several new titles into motion. Key among them is one based on the popular board game from 1935 (via Variety).
“This sale fully aligns with our strategy, and we are pleased to bring the process to a successful close,” Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks said in a statement regarding the deal. “Lionsgate’s management team is experienced in entertainment and adept at driving value, and we’re glad to have found such a good home for our eOne film and TV business. We look forward to partnering with them, especially on a movie adaptation of Monopoly.”
A movie adaptation of the game has been in the works for years, stuck in production limbo. At one point in time, Kevin Hart was attached to the film. At another point, it was shaping up to be a Ridley Scott-led endeavor. No additional details for the Monopoly movie are available at this time, with the release date and all cast and crew remaining to be announced.
Regardless, based on the recent success of Barbie and the big boost in publicity it’s given Mattel, it makes sense that more legacy products are moving in the film direction. Monopoly has already dipped its toes in the stream of pop culture, even, having collaborated with several brands on themed versions of the game. Last year, the Stranger Things version of the game made headlines after it spoiled major plot points from the show’s fourth season.
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