Universal inks deal with toy firm Hasbro

Universal Pictures has partnered with US firm Habro to make feature films from toy and board game brands.

The studio is looking to make at least four films based on properties including Monopoly, Clue, Magic, The Gathering and Stretch Armstrong.

Universal was eager to make the deal after the success of Transformers and seeing rival studio Paramount put G.I. Joe into production.

Universal co-chairmen Marc Shmuger and David 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."

Hasbro's chief operating officer Brian Goldner said: "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."

Monopoly could be the first film released under the agreement as Ridley Scott has been developing the project since last year.

A film version of Clue (from the board game known as Cluedo outside the US) was made in 1985 with Tim Curry.