Are you ready for another film based on a Hasbro toy or game? Ready or not, I'm calling C-5. Did I sink your battleship? Universal Pictures has confirmed that Peter Berg (Hancock) will direct the latest Hasbro-based project, Battleship, and announced a target release date of July 1, 2011, reports Variety.
Battleship the game was originally released in 1967 and isn't the only classic Hasbro toy or game making its way to film in the near future. Steve Oedekerk is currently working on a script for Stretch Armstrong set to release summer, 2011. Also in the works are Monopoly with Ridley Scott, Candyland with Kevin Lima and Clue with Gore Verbinski.
In regards to the Battleship project, Universal chairmen Marc Shmuger and David Linde said, "This is a powerful brand, and in an era where brands have become the new stars, Battleship is a big opportunity."
I'm having a hard time picturing a story based on the Battleship game, it's just naval fighting. With a toy like "Stretch Armstrong" at least there's a character to build around. Clue has several great characters and was even made once previously in 1985, starring Tim Curry.
When the time comes, there's no doubt Universal and Peter Berg will optimistically grab the red peg in hopes that Battleship is a "hit."
Source: Variety