Lionsgate and Hasbro’s live-action feature ‘Monopoly’ is in final negotiations. If finalized, Kevin Hart will star and Tim Story will direct. Story’s credits include the ‘Fantastic Four’ and ‘Ride Along’ franchises and ‘Night School.’
Logline is being kept under wraps for now and a writer and shoot date have not been set. A previous version of the project centered on a young man from the game’s modest Baltic Avenue on a quest to make a fortune.
This month’s ‘The Upside’ is another example of Hart’s box office prowess. Other films like ‘Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle,’ ‘Night School’ and ‘Central Intelligence’ are further proof of his comedic success. Additionally, seven of Story’s films have debuted number one at the box office.
Hasbro has been planning a movie based on its hit board game for at least a decade. Monopoly has been played by an estimated one billion people in 114 ccountries. ‘The Truman Show’ writer Andrew Niccol was attached to write a previous Lionsgate iteration of the project. Another development was set up with Emmett/Furla in 2013 with Ridley Scott attached as a producer.
Next out for Hart is ‘The Secret Life Of Pets 2,’ releasing June 7. Next up for Story is New Line’s Shaft, starring Samuel L Jackson, releasing June 14.