A few weeks ago, I wrote about how Universal decided not to finance and distribute the film adaptation of the board game “Clue” – which has been part of a seven movie deal they made with Hasbro in 2008. Well, here we go again! Universal has now decided to drop the “Ouija” movie, which already had a release date of November 9th, 2012 (when it would have gone up against going up against “Bond 23”). Hard to believe they could have completed an action/adventure film that quickly anyway.
According to Collider.com, “Universal has paid a $5 million penalty to Hasbro to back out of the development deal”. Michael Bay (the producer) and director McG (“Terminator Salvation”) will pitch the film to other studios next week. Some (including yours truly) think that because of the success of the “G.I. Joe” and “Transformers” movies, Paramount might be the one to pick it up.
Universal is probably thinking right about now “Why did we do this deal?” We I was on the Universal lot a few years ago a guide talked about the upcoming Hasbro films (including “Stretch Armstrong” and “Candy Land”). And there was a statue of King Kandy in front of the studio offices.
“Battleship” – which is opening May 18th – will determine if this deal will actually work out. If the Liam Neeson war/action film stinks (and sinks), don’t be surprised if some of the other board game projects are cancelled.