After movies based on video games have become a norm, we are now getting features based on board games. No, it won’t be Monopoly, but rather worldwide board game hit The Settlers of Catan. According to Variety, Sony has put The Settlers of Catan on the fast track with plans to turn it into a franchise if the first movie goes well.
Producer Gail Katz (Air Force One, The Perfect Storm), acquired the rights for the game in 2015, and now found a partner in Sony to make the movie possible.
“We’re excited to be working with Sony to bring the iconic world of Catan to life,” said Katz in a statement. “As huge fans of the game, we’re struck by the endless possibilities of stories that it could inspire. It’s not every day that you have the opportunity to work in a world beloved by millions of people, and expand its story for the screen.”
Designed by Klaus Teuber and published in 1995, The Settlers of Catan became hugely popular over the years and has fans all over the world. In the game, players assume the roles of settlers, with each one attempting to build and develop their property while trading among themselves and acquiring resources. As their settlements grow, players gain points. The first player to gain a predetermined set of points wins.
This board game has sold 25 million copies since it was first published and was translated into 38 different languages. With such worldwide popularity, there is no doubt that the movie, if done well, could become a box office hit. Although there are no words about the director yet, Sony revealed that Blaise Hemingway (Ugly Dolls, The Bracelet) will take on the screenplay writing duties.
