Andrew Niccol to Write Lionsgate's 'Monopoly' Movie in the Works

Will they finally pass Go and collect $200? It sounds like it will happen this time! Lionsgate has announced officially that they're moving forward on development with a Monopoly movie, the next big franchise being readied based on a Hasbro brand. For years and years we covered development on Ridley Scott's version of a Monopoly movie at Universal, and it seemed like it was getting close to happening at one point. However, this new version doesn't have a director involved just yet. Instead, they say that writer/director Andrew Niccol (of Gattaca, Lord of War, In Time, The Host and Good Kill most recently) will be writing the screenplay. Not directing, just writing. That's the only bit of news other than that this is coming soon.

Here's a quote from the news story, via THR, about Andrew Niccol's involvement in the Monopoly movie:

"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," Lionsgate motion picture group co-president Erik Feig said. "Andrew Niccol is the ultimate world creator…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."

The story will center 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. Along the way he will have to make his own luck, while hoping to avoid going directly to jail. The film will be produced by Lionsgate and Hasbro's Allspark Pictures. Lionsgate will finance the movie. I was much more excited for the Ridley Scott version, that sounded like they really believed in the potential of utilizing the Monopoly brand for cinematic storytelling. However, I hope that's the case here as there's going to be nothing worse than a forgettable, cheesy action movie with the name Monopoly slapped on it. We'll keep watch for the latest updates on this new iteration.