Full Breakdown
Monopoly Film Project Gains Momentum as Lionsgate, LuckyChap, and Hasbro Team Up
6/13/2026, 5:09:11 AM
Monopoly Film Development Plan
Lionsgate, LuckyChap Productions, and Hasbro Entertainment have teamed to develop a feature-length Monopoly film. Two writing duos—Neil Widener & Gavin James, and Rebecca Angelo & Lauren Schuker Blum—each submitted an outline; the studio will commission a screenplay from the chosen concept. Insiders say the project remains in early pre-production with no firm schedule.
Historical Context of Monopoly Film Attempts
The board-game-to-film pipeline began in 2008 when Universal and Hasbro signed a six-year partnership; Ridley Scott was attached before the 2012 “Battleship” flop stalled the effort. After the deal ended, producer Randall Emmett briefly pursued Monopoly, and Lionsgate hired Andrew Niccol for a 2015 script. A later Kevin Hart-Tim Story version also stalled. Lionsgate’s current push follows its 2023 eOne acquisition, which transferred Monopoly rights while Hasbro kept other IPs.
Creative Teams
Widener and James co-wrote the record-breaking “Minecraft” film, which opened to $163 million and grossed over $960 million, and are developing a sequel and a Beyblade project for Jerry Bruckheimer. Angelo and Blum, former Wall Street Journal reporters, penned “Dumb Money” and are attached to “Murder She Wrote” (Jamie Lee Curtis) and a Sue Mengers biopic. Both duos are represented by CAA.
Timeline of Development Milestones
- 2008: Universal-Hasbro partnership, Ridley Scott attached.
- 2015: Lionsgate commissions Andrew Niccol script.
- 2023: Lionsgate acquires eOne, gains Monopoly rights.
- 2024: LuckyChap joins at CinemaCon.
- 2026: Two outlines delivered; script commission pending.
Market Reach and Franchise Value
Monopoly enjoys 99 % global awareness, has sold nearly half a billion copies since 1935, and is sold in over 100 countries, supporting studio confidence in a film.
Official Statements & Corporate Positioning
Insiders describe the effort as “still very early days,” noting no final creative direction. Hasbro is also moving ahead with an unscripted Monopoly series for Netflix, with Studio Lambert winning a February bake-off.
Criticism & Industry Skepticism
No public criticism has surfaced, though the decade-long development history signals industry caution about turning a board game into a compelling film.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree the project is early-stage but differ on when a script will be selected and production will begin, leaving the rollout timeline uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is, of course, the real-estate game where players attempt to bankrupt opponents through the buying, renting, and trading of properties.” — Deadline
- “The world’s most popular board game brand, with 99% global awareness, Monopoly has sold nearly half a billion copies going back to 1935 and is available in more than 100 countries across the globe.” — Deadline
- “Watch on Deadline Lionsgate announced LuckyChap’s involvement at CinemaCon in 2024, on the heels of their blockbuster success with Barbie.” — Deadline
- “In tandem with development on the feature, Hasbro Entertainment has recently progressed development on an unscripted Monopoly series for Netflix, with Studio Lambert — the production company behind Peacock’s hit game show The Traitors — winning a bake-off to produce as of February, as we first reported.” — Deadline
What’s Next
The studios will evaluate the outlines, commission a final screenplay, and move toward production. Production timing depends on script approval and studio scheduling.
