The year 2023 has emerged as a remarkable period for intellectual properties (IPs), particularly in the realms of video games and toys. Blockbuster films like Barbie and The Super Mario Bros have reiterated the potential of well-executed IPs in turning the tides of box office collections. Unsurprisingly, this trend has raised expectations for more film adaptations of cherished toys and games, weaving a nostalgic tapestry for fans while simultaneously appealing to modern audiences. An exciting news development that resonates with this trend is Lionsgate’s latest acquisition of Entertainment One’s (eOne) film and television operations from Hasbro, as reported by Variety. The deal, worth around $500 million, is set to conclude by year-end, promising a host of intriguing productions, including the much-anticipated Monopoly movie.
The sale, as outlined in the report, involves a comprehensive content library boasting nearly 6500 titles. Additionally, it encompasses ongoing productions affiliated with non-Hasbro franchises, such as The Rookie, Yellowjackets, and Naked and Afraid. It also includes eOne’s unscripted business. In the context of this acquisition, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks stated the deal “fully aligns with our strategy,” reassuring that “entertainment remains a priority” for the company. Furthermore, he elaborated that Hasbro remains dedicated to developing entertainment lines inspired by its brands and is steadfast in its commitment to “bring to life new original ideas designed to fuel all areas of Hasbro’s blueprint.”
Monopoly Movie: The Journey Thus Far
The journey towards the creation of a Monopoly movie has been a long and complex one, with prominent industry figures such as Kevin Hart, Tim Story, and Ridley Scott being associated with the project at various junctures. However, none of these collaborations came to fruition. Given the resounding success of Barbie, it is expected that the film industry will witness an influx of toy-inspired movies. However, the ultimate audience reception to these ventures will greatly depend on the creative decisions steering these projects. At present, the Monopoly project doesn’t have any attached director or actor, making it an intriguing prospect to observe its evolution.
Reflecting on the highly anticipated Monopoly movie and expressing faith in the studio, CEO Cocks stated, “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.”
While there’s no specific release timeframe for the Monopoly movie currently, it is definitely a project to watch closely for future developments. Stay tuned for more updates in this space.
