Let me be the first to say that this would be a horrible, embarrassing idea. Even if they threw Transformers money at it, the best you could hope for is a wonky LOTR clone.
Universal Pictures has announced a six-year partnership with Hasbro to produce at least four feature films based on branded properties. The properties include “Monopoly,” “Candy Land,” “Clue,” “Ouija,” “Battleship,” “Magic, The Gathering” and “Stretch Armstrong.”
The deal comes after the successful screen transformation of the Hasbro property “Transformers,” which DreamWorks and Paramount turned into a Michael Bay-directed global hit, and which has a sequel scheduled to begin production this year.
Hasbro’s “G.I. Joe” will be a 2009 tentpole for Paramount Pictures, with director Stephen Sommers just beginning production on the film. Lorenzo di Bonaventura has shepherded both properties as producer.
Universal now has exclusive access to Hasbro properties, excluding “Transformers” and “G.I. Joe.”
Deal was announced by U chairman Marc Shmuger, co-chairman David Linde and Hasbro chief operating officer Brian Goldner. The parties were put together by WMA, which reps the toy and board-game maker.
Like “G.I. Joe,” several Hasbro branded properties have gone the development route as features over the years. The property with the most current momentum is “Monopoly,” which Ridley Scott and Scott Free have been developing.
Scott, who directed “American Gangster” for the studio, will next direct the Russell Crowe starrer “Nottingham” for Universal.
“This deal gives Universal access to some of the greatest brands in the world,” Shmuger and Linde said in a statement. “Hasbro’s portfolio of products has tremendous emotional resonance with children and adults. They offer an exciting opportunity for us to develop tentpole movies with built-in global brand awareness, which is a key component of our slate strategy.”
Goldner said: “Universal’s creativity and worldwide marketing and distribution strength make them the perfect partner. Today’s Hasbro is so much more than a traditional toy and game company, and this partnership is a powerful example of how we are offering our consumers new ways to enjoy unique and immersive experience with our brands.”
Now, after getting over your excitement of wanting to see Monopoly: the Movie, take a look at what other candidates are up for possible movies. The one that jumps the most is, of course, Magic: the Gathering.
Now, is it 100% guaranteed to happen? No, not at all.
Is it possible? Yes. Very much so.
Will it be a flop? This all depends on how they do it. If they make it a movie on something such as The Brother's War, or maybe Ice Age or Invasion (the latter two being unlikely, seeing as they have a lot of back story to cover before they can show those off), and didn't completely mess it up, it could work. However, if they do something such as Onslaught block, it is guaranteed to flop.
I guess we'll just have to wait in these 6 years to find out what happens.
"If I do go to heaven, I'll smack god across the face and tell him to get me a grilled-cheeses sandwhich and then say 'Yea what now god!? Say some'in! I dare you!' "
If it is like the D&D movies (which are fun but generic with some D&D flavour tossed in) then it will be a painful waste of celuloid.
If they just write some fantasy story and fill it full of mana and as many cliche spells and monsters as possible, it will be worse.
If it becomes like Yugioh (IE they focus on the card game aspect and have a bunch of kids play it against some villain and such) then I will have to stab people.
The best would be if some aspect of the Magic storyline (Brother's War, Maybe a Weatherlight Trilogy), then it would have the potential to be decent. Personally I would love to watch a movie series based on the Weatherlight storyline.
It is my goal to get a Magic themed song onto that soundtrack. Maybe the outro to the movie?
I can't wait to see what they do with it. I hope its less Jumanji and more just the characters involved, like a story of the five planeswalkers, focusing mainly on one of the five and having the others be a part of it too. I dunno. It should be a fun watch, even if it is completely terrible.
Is this really the best time to start discussing possible plots and actors? The article says up to four movies might be made based on Hasbro properties, then gives a list of Hasbro properties. There's nothing in the article to indicate that they are even seriously considering a Magic film, let alone enough to start speculating on what it will be about.
Please keep in mind that Universal has only optioned the rights to Hasbro's portfolio (excluding Transformers and GI Joe, the rights to which are already sold to other studios). That in no way means a M:tG film is inevitable. Optioning doesn't always result in a film being made anyway, all it does is give a particular studio an exclusive window (in this case, six years) with which it may purchase and use a particular screenplay. Or in this case, a window in which a potential screenplay may be produced and then bought for potential use.
Note all the 'potentials' I used there. Not every property optioned becomes a screenplay. Not every screenplay bought becomes a film. Even though Magic is included in this deal, I wouldn't expect a film version for quite some time, if ever. The property still needs to be tapped to be adapted to the screen and the resulting screenplay still needs to be purchased and then developed.
Yes, it's too soon, but if it's done, the plot must be the Weatherlight Saga (From Weathlight to Apocalypse)...
I am assuming that this is your favorite period of Magic?
Personally I think that this would be the perfect time to build up a new block. You know...having it released just before a new block would be huge. It would be a spoiler to promote the block...while giving a unique look into the block...you know on the big screen.
Then again I have always wanted there to be a Movie about the old book...The Arena. I think its hands down the best book and holds the best plot of all the books.
As the previous posted have said though...its quite early and there isn't a movie scheduled yet. I am stoked at the mention of it though.
Personally I think that this would be the perfect time to build up a new block. You know...having it released just before a new block would be huge. It would be a spoiler to promote the block...while giving a unique look into the block...you know on the big screen.
Pretty much impossible. In order to have a potential film follow an unreleased set, the storyline for that set would have to be set (well, whole block, in all probability) in stone around the time design would begin. A film requiring as much work as a MtG flick would need a lot of lead-in development time. Not to mention extensive post-production to allow for the inescapable computer effects. From the start of script writing to the release, I'd wager Universal would need at least a year and a half. And that's severely truncated.
To put it in perspective, the LotR trilogy began development in 1997, didn't begin filming until late 1999 (and filiming took a little over a year) and each individual film in the trilogy had one year of post-production. Sure, that all encompasses three films and a lot of specific issues that may not be present for a Magic film, but it gives a good point of reference since that's the sort of movie I'd imagine Universal would be looking at. Principle photography and post combined would be a year at best. And that doesn't include the necessary development time. So the film would likely be based on pre-existing storylines or be completely new since I don't think storylines for sets are finalized until the latter stages, which doesn't leave enough time for a film to get made at the same time.
I love Joboman, Poggy, Niv, and Vezok, because, while they may not be the best players, they still try to win. Having fun is the most important thing to a game, but I've learned that if you don't try to win, then you're ruining everyone else's fun.
"If I do go to heaven, I'll smack god across the face and tell him to get me a grilled-cheeses sandwhich and then say 'Yea what now god!? Say some'in! I dare you!' "
I don't have any hard numbers on this, but I'm targeted more often than a black guy driving a beat-up sedan with a broken tail-light and no license plate, and Cy's well aware of that.
I doubt a Magic: The Gathering movie will result, particularly if they're starting with Monopoly. If the first movie fails, or first two, they'll probably abandon the whole idea.
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[The Crafters] | [Johnnies United]
My anecdotal evidence disagrees with yours! EXPLAIN THAT!
The only thing that i could think of in terms of a Monopoly movie is along the lines of Rat Race. Where a rich old guy has people race around to collect as much money as possible. If they get in the wrong situation, they have a huge hotel bill or go to jail. OR they could get free parking and think they won a lot of money, but is then told that the rules say that no one gets anything for free parking (true story).
As for a magic story line, I hope they also do the Weatherlight Saga. I'm thinking Kelsey Grammer as Karn, Brad Pitt as Gerrard, Jack Black as Tangarth, Angelina Jolie as Sisay, and Mini-me as Squee.
I already knew hollywood had no taste, but now... GOD DAMN! I am absolutely certain if they create a movie based on MTG it will be the worst order of schlock ever seen. Sure MTG has some interesting background stories that could work, but so does D&D. Just look what they did with the D&D brand in movies -- travesty! And for those of you who think hollywood would learn its lesson, they made two D&D movies.
Wow, people are jumping on a fantasy rather easily. Universal pairs with Hasbro, and people immediately assume it is Magic.
There will be another D&D movie before MTG. D&D is more recognizable.
If anything, this may make a MTG movie even less likely considering that fact that Universal has exclusive rights to making a movie of it. If another studio wished so, they would have to wait 6 years.
seriously, though, Antiquities. It's actually a good story! On the other hand, maybe they could do The Dark or Homelands and finally make those stories comprehensible.
Oh no! MaRo's going to go back to writing for the screen! And they'll cast Rosanne as Jhoira!
rofl.
Anyway, I'd like to see what they'd do with a Magic movie. Unfortunately, they'll probably get some people who don't actually care about the game to put it together, and it will be "the suck."
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A card game about Presidents. Stabbing each other. With knives.
I dont think they should do a movie. Earlier in the thread someone mentioned Arena which would make a good standalone movie, but the Weatherlight saga could not be summed up into one movie with out sucking hard. Even if they concentrate on the Invasion block, no backstory=suck. the Kamigawa block was pretty decently written and could possibly make it into a movie, but i dont know.
I am also afraid that if this movie comes out us MTG players will be further persecuted by the ingnorant people of society ;}, but seriuosly if the movie sucks it may directly impact the image of MTG and decrease the amount of players that get involved.
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Universal Rolls the Dice with Hasbro
via the New York Times Lede Blog.
Let me be the first to say that this would be a horrible, embarrassing idea. Even if they threw Transformers money at it, the best you could hope for is a wonky LOTR clone.
Personally, I'm more psyched for Monopoly.
-http://www.variety.com/VR1117981181.html
Now, after getting over your excitement of wanting to see Monopoly: the Movie, take a look at what other candidates are up for possible movies. The one that jumps the most is, of course, Magic: the Gathering.
Now, is it 100% guaranteed to happen? No, not at all.
Is it possible? Yes. Very much so.
Will it be a flop? This all depends on how they do it. If they make it a movie on something such as The Brother's War, or maybe Ice Age or Invasion (the latter two being unlikely, seeing as they have a lot of back story to cover before they can show those off), and didn't completely mess it up, it could work. However, if they do something such as Onslaught block, it is guaranteed to flop.
I guess we'll just have to wait in these 6 years to find out what happens.
MTG Rules Advisor
Winner of Weekly Contest Week 39.
What do you think? Any suggestions for possible plots and actors?
If it is like the D&D movies (which are fun but generic with some D&D flavour tossed in) then it will be a painful waste of celuloid.
If they just write some fantasy story and fill it full of mana and as many cliche spells and monsters as possible, it will be worse.
If it becomes like Yugioh (IE they focus on the card game aspect and have a bunch of kids play it against some villain and such) then I will have to stab people.
The best would be if some aspect of the Magic storyline (Brother's War, Maybe a Weatherlight Trilogy), then it would have the potential to be decent. Personally I would love to watch a movie series based on the Weatherlight storyline.
Will we get a set related to the movie?
I can't wait to see what they do with it. I hope its less Jumanji and more just the characters involved, like a story of the five planeswalkers, focusing mainly on one of the five and having the others be a part of it too. I dunno. It should be a fun watch, even if it is completely terrible.
LISTEN TO MAH SONGZ!
@BillyTheFridge
Is this really the best time to start discussing possible plots and actors? The article says up to four movies might be made based on Hasbro properties, then gives a list of Hasbro properties. There's nothing in the article to indicate that they are even seriously considering a Magic film, let alone enough to start speculating on what it will be about.
Note all the 'potentials' I used there. Not every property optioned becomes a screenplay. Not every screenplay bought becomes a film. Even though Magic is included in this deal, I wouldn't expect a film version for quite some time, if ever. The property still needs to be tapped to be adapted to the screen and the resulting screenplay still needs to be purchased and then developed.
Archatmos
Excellion
Fracture: Israfiel (WBR), Wujal (URG), Valedon (GUB), Amduat (BGW), Paladris (RWU)
Collision (Set Two of the Fracture Block)
Quest for the Forsaken (Set Two of the Excellion Block)
Katingal: Plane of Chains
Personally I think that this would be the perfect time to build up a new block. You know...having it released just before a new block would be huge. It would be a spoiler to promote the block...while giving a unique look into the block...you know on the big screen.
Then again I have always wanted there to be a Movie about the old book...The Arena. I think its hands down the best book and holds the best plot of all the books.
As the previous posted have said though...its quite early and there isn't a movie scheduled yet. I am stoked at the mention of it though.
[EDH] Ob Nixilis the Fallen
Pretty much impossible. In order to have a potential film follow an unreleased set, the storyline for that set would have to be set (well, whole block, in all probability) in stone around the time design would begin. A film requiring as much work as a MtG flick would need a lot of lead-in development time. Not to mention extensive post-production to allow for the inescapable computer effects. From the start of script writing to the release, I'd wager Universal would need at least a year and a half. And that's severely truncated.
To put it in perspective, the LotR trilogy began development in 1997, didn't begin filming until late 1999 (and filiming took a little over a year) and each individual film in the trilogy had one year of post-production. Sure, that all encompasses three films and a lot of specific issues that may not be present for a Magic film, but it gives a good point of reference since that's the sort of movie I'd imagine Universal would be looking at. Principle photography and post combined would be a year at best. And that doesn't include the necessary development time. So the film would likely be based on pre-existing storylines or be completely new since I don't think storylines for sets are finalized until the latter stages, which doesn't leave enough time for a film to get made at the same time.
Archatmos
Excellion
Fracture: Israfiel (WBR), Wujal (URG), Valedon (GUB), Amduat (BGW), Paladris (RWU)
Collision (Set Two of the Fracture Block)
Quest for the Forsaken (Set Two of the Excellion Block)
Katingal: Plane of Chains
And this is what REALLY happened....
Logical Reasoning is dead; Long Live Stupidity
And you are probably the only one.
I can sum up the Mirrodin cycle:
Run, run, fight, run, run, run, sleep, run, run, get sword, run, run, run, meet Goblin, run, run, fight, run, fight, run.
Book 2!
Run, run, run, run, fight, run, get Bosh, run, run, fight, sleep, run, run, run...
Etc.
The entire premise of the Mirrodin novels was a good one, however the execution was poor.
MTG Rules Advisor
Winner of Weekly Contest Week 39.
Lets go clue 2..
UUU Azami, Lady of Scrolls
RRR Diaochan, Artful Beauty
UR(U/R) Tibor, Lumia, & Melek (WIP)
Mafia Stats
Here it is: link. It was announced last June.
I doubt a Magic: The Gathering movie will result, particularly if they're starting with Monopoly. If the first movie fails, or first two, they'll probably abandon the whole idea.
As for a magic story line, I hope they also do the Weatherlight Saga. I'm thinking Kelsey Grammer as Karn, Brad Pitt as Gerrard, Jack Black as Tangarth, Angelina Jolie as Sisay, and Mini-me as Squee.
I don't care how horrible a movie could be based around the Weatherlight saga. If Vern Troyer played Squee, I would spend money just to see his role.
:symb::symr::symg:Jund:symb::symr::symg:
Boo hiss.
That said, I am not sure I want a Magic movie, just because fantasy movies tend to suck in general.
Butcher of Words.
Made by Spiderboy4
There will be another D&D movie before MTG. D&D is more recognizable.
If anything, this may make a MTG movie even less likely considering that fact that Universal has exclusive rights to making a movie of it. If another studio wished so, they would have to wait 6 years.
seriously, though, Antiquities. It's actually a good story! On the other hand, maybe they could do The Dark or Homelands and finally make those stories comprehensible.
Banner by Topher!
rofl.
Anyway, I'd like to see what they'd do with a Magic movie. Unfortunately, they'll probably get some people who don't actually care about the game to put it together, and it will be "the suck."
A card game about Presidents. Stabbing each other. With knives.
I am also afraid that if this movie comes out us MTG players will be further persecuted by the ingnorant people of society ;}, but seriuosly if the movie sucks it may directly impact the image of MTG and decrease the amount of players that get involved.