‘Catan’, also known as ‘The Settlers of Catan’, is a board game that has created a renaissance in board games and caused something of a stir. So much so, that it has sparked enough interest for people in the film industry to want to get involved with the board game. In fact, Sony Pictures have announced that they are currently in negotiations to acquire the rights to the game so they can adapt it into a film.
Producer Gail Katz first told ‘Variety in 2015 that she had acquired the rights to ‘Catan’. Katz’s previous credits include the 2014 biographical drama ‘Pawn Sacrifice’, the 2000 biographical disaster drama film ‘The Perfect Storm’, and the 1997 political action thriller ‘Air Force One’.
Others who are joining the production team include Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich. Dan Lin was one of the producers who worked on ‘It’; a 2017 supernatural horror film that is based on the novel by Stephen King. He also worked alongside Roy Lee to produce the 3D computer-animated adventure comedy film ‘The LEGO Movie’ in 2014. Jonathan Eirich produced the 2017 film ‘Death Note’ and is producing ‘Aladdin’, which will be released in 2019.
It has also been revealed that Blaise Hemmingway will be the screenwriter for the movie. Hemming way is a writer, actor, and producer whose screenplay writing credits include ‘The Bracelet’, ‘Ugly Dolls’, and an untitled Playmobil movie that is set for release in 2019.
Andrea Gianetti is overseeing the project on behalf of Columbia and the studio is intending to fast-track the movie and is even considering launching a franchise based on the board game.
Katz has spoken about her involvement with the project for Columbia and has said they are excited to be working with Sony in bringing the iconic world of the ‘Catan’ board game to life. They believe it inspires endless possibilities in terms of storylines. She thinks it is a rare opportunity to turn a game that is loved by millions of fans to life on the screen.
If you have never heard of ‘Catan’, then you are in the minority as this best-selling game has now sold over 25 million copies across the globe. It was designed by Klaus Teuber and has been produced in 38 languages. It was originally released in 1995 and it won the prestigious game of the year award in Germany.
Such has been the success of this game, it has inspired thousands of board game designers to create new board games so there are constantly new games hitting the market. Previously, the board game industry was notoriously difficult with very few board games becoming a big hit with consumers.
‘Settler of Catan’ is a board game that is based on a fictional island of the same name. The aim of the game is to create a dominant community. However, the island is ever-changing and the resources available to players are scarce. Players can barter for resources to help them build their settlement. There are various versions of the game available, including Seafarers, Cities & Knights, Traders & Barbarians, and Explorers & Pirates.
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