Lionsgate Lines Up ‘Monopoly’ Movie with Hasbro and Andrew Niccol Writing

Lionsgate announced this morning they are resurrecting a film adaptation of the board game Monopoly, a project Ridley Scott was attempting to get off the ground for many years to no avail. The studio is teaming with Hasbro on the project and have brought aboard Andrew Nicool (The Truman Show, Gattaca, The Terminal) to write the screenplay, no word yet on whether or not he will also direct.

“Hasbro is a partner with incredible global reach, one of the most compelling brand portfolios in the world, and a signature brand in ‘Monopoly’ that has multigenerational appeal,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erik Feig in a press release. “Andrew Niccol is the ultimate world creator responsible for such disparate and imaginative films as The Truman Show, Gattaca and The Terminal. 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.”

Of course, what Feig fails to mention is Niccol’s track record as of late has been quite awful, including such garbage as In Time, The Host and I couldn’t even finish watching Good Kill, all of which he not only directed, but also wrote. So you can’t just say he’s a much better writer than director, it simply seems he’s lost his touch and I don’t necessarily think a film adaptation of a board game is going to be the answer, but best of luck.

As for plans for the plot, the press release says it will be a film for all ages, visually sumptuous, heartwarming, and full of action and adventure. 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!

Whoop-dee-woo, sounds awful.