"Dungeons & Dragons" authors write the Monopoly film

The film adaptation of one of the world's most famous board games is getting closer: "Dungeons & Dragons" authors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein are to write the "Monopoly" movie, according to Deadline.

There have been plans for a film adaptation of the popular board game since 2008. However, the project did not seem to get past the initial concept phase for a long time. However, with the announcement that Daley and Goldstein are taking on the screenplay, the film is now taking on a more concrete form. The duo are known for their work on films such as "Game Night" and "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" and are highly regarded in Hollywood.

The production is in the hands of Lionsgate and Hasbro Entertainment, who are working together with LuckyChap Entertainment on the realization. While the script is now in the works, it remains to be seen who will ultimately take a seat in the director's chair.

The fact that "Monopoly" now has scriptwriters shows that the project is still being actively pursued. However, this does not necessarily mean that the film will actually be made. There have already been several unsuccessful attempts in the past. However, if the script is completed to the satisfaction of the production team, this could speed up the realization of the film.

Board games that found their way onto the big screen

Board games have been a popular pastime for centuries, but in recent decades Hollywood has begun to use these games as inspiration for films. Some of these film adaptations have been major blockbusters, while others have been less successful. Here we take a look at some board games that have been adapted as movies.

Clue (1985)

One of the most famous board game adaptations is "Clue", based on the popular deduction game "Cluedo". The 1985 film presents a murderous dinner party with a star-studded cast, including Tim Curry as butler Wadsworth. The film's special feature: it had several different endings that were shown in different cinemas. Today, the film has achieved cult status and is considered one of the better board game adaptations.

Battleship (2012)

Hasbro's "Sinking Ships" was turned into an action-packed science fiction film in 2012 with "Battleship". Director Peter Berg cast Taylor Kitsch, Liam Neeson and even pop singer Rihanna, among others. Despite impressive effects and a large budget, the film fell far short of expectations and was received rather negatively by critics. The connection to the actual board game was also rather loose.

Dungeons & Dragons (2001, 2023)

The iconic role-playing game "Dungeons & Dragons" inspired several films, starting with the less successful "Dungeons & Dragons" from 2001. The new edition "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" from 2023 also fell short of its financial expectations. With a humorous narrative style, spectacular effects and a loving realization of the role-playing game flair, the film was nevertheless able to delight fans and critics alike.

Jumanji (1995, 2017, 2019)

While "Jumanji" was not originally a real board game, but based on the children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg, it became world-famous thanks to the 1995 film starring Robin Williams. The story about a magical board game that brings jungle adventures into the real world inspired generations. The modern reinterpretations "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" (2017) and "Jumanji: The Next Level" (2019) modernized the concept by moving the game into a video game world.

Ouija (2014, 2016)

The "Ouija board", known as a means of summoning spirits, was made into a movie in 2014 in "Ouija". The horror adaptation used the eerie setting of the game for a classic ghost story. Despite mediocre reviews, the film was financially successful and was followed by a sequel in 2016, which was considered by many to be significantly better.

Conclusion

Board game adaptations are an interesting but often risky venture. While some, such as "All Murderers Are Here" and "Dungeons & Dragons", have achieved cult status, others have disappointed. Nevertheless, the genre remains exciting – and perhaps we will soon see more board game classics on the big screen.