Lionsgate is rolling the dice with the development of the ‘Monopoly‘ movie as the studio has snagged Entertainment One’s (eOne) TV and film unit from Hasbro for roughly USD $500 million (AUD $766 million). Per Variety, this deal, expected to wrap up by year-end, has breathed new life into the big-screen version of Monopoly and will see “significant development, production and financing capabilities.” The box office landscape is witnessing a resounding surge in IP-based material, as major studios across the board look to transform their beloved IPs into thrilling live-action experiences.
Recent hits like Barbie and The Super Mario Bros. have only added more fuel to the fire, showcasing the enormous box office potential of well-executed IP-based material. Now, Lionsgate is gearing up to make the most of this trend with its recent acquisition. This deal encompasses an impressive content library of approximately 6500 titles as well as ongoing productions for franchises not owned by Hasbro, such as The Rookie, Yellowjackets, and Naked and Afraid. Lionsgate will also get the ownership of eOne’s unscripted business, “which will include rights for certain Hasbro-based shows like ‘Play-Doh Squished,‘” as per a press release from Hasbro.
Talking more about the acquisition, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks revealed, “This sale fully aligns with our strategy, and we are pleased to bring the process to a successful close. 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 & TV business. We look forward to partnering with them, especially on a movie adaptation of Monopoly.”
Cocks further went on to add, “Entertainment remains a priority for Hasbro. Hasbro will continue to develop and produce entertainment based on the rich vault of Hasbro-owned brands. We will also bring to life new original ideas designed to fuel all areas of Hasbro’s blueprint including toys, publishing, gaming, licensed consumer products, and location-based entertainment. As part of the sale, we expect to move to an asset-lite model for future live action entertainment, relying on licensing and partnerships with select co-productions.”
While not unfamiliar territory, the notion of a Monopoly movie isn’t new, with discussions dating back to 2007 when Ridley Scott expressed interest in helming a comedy-thriller based on the game. Despite the initial buzz, nothing ever came out of it and things were eventually put on hold. But now, thanks to Lionsgate’s recent acquisition, the Monopoly movie is back in the spotlight. Given the acquisition is still in the works, unsurprisingly, specific details surrounding the movie are still tightly under wraps. No plot points or release date have been disclosed, and there is still no director or actors attached to the project.
