In this case, the butler didn’t do it. No, it was TriStar Pictures and Sony Pictures Television. For those fans of theClueboard game, a deal has been closed bySonyto acquire thetelevisionand film rights to the classicmurder-mysterygame fromHasbro. Created by Anthony E. Pratt,Murder!was later trademarked asCluedoby Waddingtons in the United Kingdom. And now, 75 years later, Sony will have the opportunity to follow-up with the first big-screen adaptation of the property, if they choose, since Paramount Pictures’ 1985 film,Clue. Respectively, the heads of film and television for Hasbro, Zev Foreman and Gabriel Marano, addressed the deal (perVariety):
“Sony is the perfect partner to adapt a property as culturally impactful and mystery-defining as Clue.Nicole Brown, Katherine Pope and their teams aretremendous creative collaborators and ideal partnersto help us figure out after75 yearsif it was Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with the candlestick.”
TheCluedoboard game was simultaneously released in 1949 by Waddingtons in the UK and by their United States' partners, Parker Brothers. However, the U.S. version made some modifications to the murder-mystery, which included changing the name simply toClue.In August of 2023, Hasbro appointed Foreman and Gabriel to lead their new division dedicated to movies, TV, animation and digital media.
Sony Takes the Reins of the Whodunit
“One is guilty, none are innocent.”Clueranks as one of the best murder mysteriesof all time, but it’s been nearly 40 years since the ensemble cast led by Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd and Michael McKean graced the Silver Screen for Paramount Pictures. However, it will be interesting to see how Sony approaches its adaptations with the recent “refresh” of the murder-mystery. In January of 2023, an updated iteration of the game was announced in a press release (perHabro), which read as follows:
“CLUE received a refresh that combines classic CLUE gameplay with rich new takeson the original murder mystery storyline, an intriguing diverse cast, highly-stylized game pieces, and the glamorous Tudor Mansion.The next chapter of CLUE is now available at most major retailers for fans.
When six carefully chosen guests arrive atBoden ‘Boddy’ Black’s mansionafter receiving a mysterious invitation, none are certain what to expect. But when their host turns up dead after revealinga sinister blackmail scheme at dinner,the pressure is on to solve the mystery.This CLUE murder mystery game is beautifully reimagined with a dazzling cast, luxurious setting, and fresh storyline.”
Is Clue the Only Great Movie Based on a Board Game?
Is Clue the only board game that belongs on the big screen? The classic ’80s crime comedy seems to be the only great film of its kind.
The press release continued:
“Players can choose to play asMiss Scarlett, Colonel Mustard, Mayor Green, Chef White, Solicitor Peacock, or Professor Plumand race against other players to crack the case by gathering evidence and narrowing down choices.Each playable CLUE suspect has been thoughtfully revamped to reflect a new character,with a meaningful backstory and motive, thatengrosses players in the world of CLUE.”
Cluehas sold over 150 million boards worldwide. Upcoming TV and film projects, including possible release windows, have not been officially announced by Sony as of yet. But fans can streamClue(1985) absolutely free onPluto TV,at the time of this writing.
Even with three endings already included in the movie, starTim Curry revealed another alternate sequence was planned,which was scrapped because it wasn’t deemed funny enough to use.
