Board Game "Risk" Aims For Cinema Adaptation

November 5, 2009 4:12 p.m. EST

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - Sony Pictures has acquired the film rights of Risk, the classic strategic board game by Hasbro, Inc. The move comes after the success of other Hasbro toys that were adapted into films, "Transformers" and "G.I. Joe."

The project will be produced and developed by Brian Goldner and Bennett Schneir of Hasbro and James Lassiter of Overbrook Entertainment.

Columbia Pictures president Doug Belgrad said, "Hasbro has already seen tremendous success with Transformers and G.I. Joe and audiences have shown a great desire for films that bring to life everything that has made these franchise properties stand the test of time."

"The strategic thinking and the tactical gambles that players must take in the game are what make RISK a classic, thoroughly engaging game. Those elements translated into an action-packed, thrilling story are what will make this a uniquely exciting movie."

Risk was invented by French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse in 1957 as La Conquete du Monde (The Conquest of the World). Parkers Brothers published the game in the U.S. two years later.

In the game, players compete on a map of the world, amassing armies and attempting world domination.

The game has sold millions of copies and produced various versions.