Kevin Hart to Star in ‘Monopoly’ Movie for Lionsgate, Hasbro

Hart and director Tim Story will produce through their HartBeat Productions and The Story Company banners

Tim Story Kevin Hart Superhero Night Wolf
The Collins Jackson Agency

Kevin Hart isn’t hosting the Oscars, but he will be putting on a top hat and tuxedo very soon.

Hart is in final negotiations to star in Lionsgate’s and Hasbro’s movie based on the board game “Monopoly,” and Tim Story, Hart’s longtime collaborator on “Ride Along” and other stand-up specials, is in final negotiations to direct, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.

Hart will also produce through his HartBeat Productions label. HartBeat’s John Cheng will also produce and HartBeat’s Carli Haney will oversee with John Cheng. Story will produce as well through his The Story Company banner. Sharla Sumpter Bridgett, President of The Story Company, will also produce.

The logline is under wraps, but the film is inspired by Hasbro’s popular board game franchise. Hasbro will co-produce the film via its Allspark Pictures label. Hasbro’s Brian Goldner, Stephen Davis and Greg Mooradian will serve as producers.

Hart stepped down from hosting the Oscars amid a scandal over past homophobic tweets, for which he apologized. But he was also recently seen in “The Upside” as well as 2018’s “Night School.” He’ll next lend his voice to the next “Secret Life of Pets” movie and will soon begin shooting on the untitled “Jumanji” sequel opposite Dwayne Johnson.

Story’s next film, a remake of “Shaft” starring Samuel L. Jackson, will open in theaters June 2019.

“Monopoly” marks Hart’s latest collaboration with Lionsgate, which already includes the joint venture Laugh Out Loud channel, the unscripted TV series “Kevin Hart: What The Fit” for YouTube and the concert film “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain.”

Deadline was first to report.

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