Universal to Make Hasbro Movies

Today Hasbro signed a six-year partnership with Universal Pictures to make movies based on several of its most popular franchises into feature films. Some popular choices might include Monopoly, Battleship, Candy Land, and Ouija. Popular choices already taken by other studios include Mr. Potatohead (Pixar) and Transformers and G.I. Joe (Paramount).

“This deal gives Universal access to some of the greatest brands in the world,” Universal Pictures co-chiefs Marc Shmuger and David Linde said in a statement. “They offer an exciting opportunity for us to develop tentpole movies with built-in global brand awareness.”

Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner mentions that the deal gives them a “unique and immersive experience with our brands.” Goldner wants Hasbro to be known as more than just a “traditional toy and game company.”

This deal does not come as a surprise, especially with such successes a like Transformers. My only concern is that most of what is left is board games, how can you make a great blockbuster movie from a board game. I know that Clue from 1985 is an exception, but I am still concerned. There are rumors that there could be a Clue remake as one of the Universal Pictures options.