(I might normally preface the information I’m about to share with a disclaimer, a statement saying that this is not a joke. The truth is, I’m not so sure about that this time…and frankly, I am truly hoping that it is a joke - perhaps some press stunt or some such thing. In either case…)

According to recent reports, Universal is moving forward with a film based on the popular board game Monopoly. Ridley Scott, who’s behind such movies as Alien and Gladiator is going to direct. But just wait! That’s not even the outlandish part.

The plot centers around a “comedic, lovable loser who lives in Manhattan and works at a real estate company.” This hero is “not very good at his job, but he’s great at playing Monopoly.” A bunch more ridiculous-sounding plot points follow - the hero wants to play the game for seventy straight hours to break the world record, he throws down a Chance card in frustration, falls asleep and finds the discarded item clutched in his hand all the same. He goes to a coffee house to get some java, reaches into his pocket and pulls out Monopoly money. But it’s no big deal - the barista gives him his change, also in Monopoly money. He walks out of the shop and suddenly he’s in Monopoly City.

Our hero ends up trying to outwit the Parker Brothers. “Iconic game images” from Monopoly will also be on display. Many “sight gags” offer visual candy for game lovers. And I think it all sounds “stupid.”