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Ridley Scott Locked into Directing a Monopoly Movie

by Alex Billington
November 12, 2008

Way back in August of last year, Ridley Scott mentioned that he was interested in pursuing a film version of the board game Monopoly. At the time we all shrugged it off as just early talk, but now it looks like it's happening. Scott confirms via Hollywood Reporter that he's now officially attached to direct, however many years from now that will be, and has taken on Pamela Pettler (of Corpse Bride and Monster House) to write the screenplay. Universal and Hasbro are both still intricately involved in making sure it turns out well, with Scott pushing for "a futuristic sheen along the lines of his iconic Blade Runner." Initially I might be quick to call this a terrible idea, but under further consideration, maybe I'm just missing the point?

Initially, I could imagine this kind of movie quickly showing up in Wal-Mart bargain bins being sold for $3.99, but I'm wondering if there's something I'm missing. What would be so damned interesting about a Monopoly movie that would make Ridley Scott, the man who brought us Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator, excited to direct it? There's got to be something we just didn't think about. Maybe the concept is a lot more expansive and epic than we could ever imagine. It is Monopoly, there are a lot of imaginative ideas that can grow out of a simple board game. Previously Scott said, "somewhere in [the fun of the game] is a hysterically amusing and I think rather exciting film." I really hope he's right about that.

Monopoly photo courtesy of pbrian49 on Flickr.

Explore tags: Movie News, Opinions

max

A "Monopoly movie" ? Ridley Scott must have an idea! Even if this sounds so stupid, there must be something.. Interested in seeing the trailer (when it comes out...).
http://www.myspace.com/kevjohnphotography kevjohn

I wonder who they're going to cast as The Thimble.
big r

^ Hahahahaha
Alec Baldwin

hahaha, wow that was so funny kevjohn!! Im laughing so hard my stomach hurts, you should do stand up!
Buffalo Bills Hotel & Casino

I can not imagine how it is the plot of this movie
KAM

Just brings to mind one of my favorite Dane Cook jokes: "We had monopoly; everybody did. Nobody liked it. Even if you think you liked the game, you didn't. And it's simple; why? Because this is anybody here, 2 and a half hours into a game of monopoly.... F*** THIS GAME!! It's 4 in the morning grandma, YOU WIN! I'm sittin on baltic with crap! I'm paying luxury taxes out the ass! And i hate when you're the banker! Where'd you get the pink 50's you cheating whore!? No, don't touch me grandpa, nanna is a cheating whore!"
Oranges

A thimble could be a tailor or someone with a thimble fetish. The plot of the movie could be based on some very rich, eccentric billionaires fighting each other over newly available property. Naturally hilarity would ensue if its a comedy.
http://www.monopolydocumentary.com Kevin Tostado

I'm producing and directing a documentary about the game of Monopoly called "Under the Boardwalk." It will feature interviews with some of the top players from around the world, as well as cover the history of the game and showcase how Monopoly has become such a huge worldwide phenomenon. You can check out a teaser trailer, some clips from the interviews and follow our progress as filming continues at http://www.MonopolyDocumentary.com If you are passionate about the game of Monopoly, I urge you to check out our website and email us!
seductiveflamingo

....a thimble fetish? Not sure I have EVER heard of that before. You've got to be somewhat deranged to get off in line sight of a thimble. And a documentary would be great. Reminds me of that Scrabble documentary...can't remember the name but it was good. However a movie...eh...not so sure if it's roped me in just yet. I'll wait for the teaser before I make an opinion.
http://www.monopolydocumentary.com Kevin Tostado

Seductive flamingo, there's actually been two Scrabble documentaries, "Word Wars" and "Scrabylon". You were probably thinking about Word Wars because Scrabylon really leaves a lot to be desired.
http://www.aytemir.com Tschai

Let's just assume in advance that Scott has sold his 'artistic soul' to Hollywood/Hasbro...!
SlashBeast

Maybe Scott's on to something, maybe he's not. Personally I think he's a really hit-and-miss director. I just really think the idea of a monopoly movie is ridiculous, I can see a better movie about the story of the man who made monopoly and what he went through.
cornholio_by_the_sea

the idea is so bizarre I will be hooked just to see what they actually do with it...too much talent behind it for me to critisize the basic idea so I will just follow along like everyone else...the sort of thing to keep one up late at nights trying to fiigure out WTF???????
Chris

No. You are not missing anything. There is not any good idea that can be created based on Monopoly. Ridley Scott has officially gone insane. I thought he was smarter then this
avoidz

Someone must have sniffed a thimble-full of coke to greenlight this movie.
nef deppard

#14- You nailed it. And Jumanji kind of covers the board game angle.
hey arnold

I think this could work as an animated movie about pennybags going broke and then having to cheat his way back to the top. But blade runner!? thats just stupid.
Hyacinth

The question on everyone's minds: Who will Russell Crowe play here?
Alfredo

ok, seriously what does Monopoly have to do with being futuristic and with Blade Runner? I mean, just the concept of a Monopoly movie is bizarre, but trying to make it futuristic leads me to think Ridley Scott was hitting the pipe a little too much before saying that.
TookyG

I'm thinking an Oceans 11 style ensemble cast and a movie that is all about shrewd businessmen clawing their way to the top. Could be alright.
fatjoe

one word LOL
kim

I just really think the idea of a monopoly movie is ridiculou, However a movie of I not so sure if it's roped me in just yet..
DP

Excuse me, but let me just say one word: Clue Absolutely love that movie, and it was done well. This could be just as good. It just depends how good the story can be, if they have good characters, and how good the writing is.... If they can invent another "I hated her SO much.... that flames... FLAMES... on the side of my face... breathing, breathless.. heaving breaths".... They will have an INSTANT classic.