Incredibly quotable 1985 comedy and murder mystery film Clue is looking down the barrel of a remaster produced by Disney/Fox. Jason Bateman, of Netflix series Ozark, plans to direct and star in the film. He plans to develop the script alongside Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, and Paul Wernick of Deadpool fame. Reynolds plans to direct the Disney/Fox adaptation of the board game.
The Hasbro game has been a family staple for decades ever since its UK release in 1949. Perhaps the most famous murder mystery board game, players typically take the role of one of six suspects accused of killing Mr. Boddy (Dr. Black in the UK releases). Using deduction, they determine the murderer and weapon used in addition to the room in which the murder took place. Random chance plays only a small factor in Clue (or Cluedo in the European market). Dice rolls determine movement, although players tend to get shuffled from room to room anyway as they make guesses. Through process of elimination, players eventually accuse a suspect with a weapon and a murder location. If the accusation is incorrect, however, the player loses. Play continues until either all players lose or one player is correct.
Clue has had numerous spinoffs, including several new boards (such as the 2016 remaster), video games, and the aforementioned film. Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Rev./Mr. Green, Ms. Peacock, and Professor Plum are iconic characters, each with their own motives. New characters come and go, but these six have always comprised the core cast.
Many regard the 1985 film as a cult classic with memorable, quotable lines, but it was panned by critics. Madeline Kahn's ad-libbed line regarding how her character, Mrs. White, murdered Yvette the maid is among the most famous lines. Featuring a theater gimmick with three different endings, it garnered mixed reviews from viewers as well. The now all-star cast, mix of mystery and comedy, and combined endings in the retail release, however, contributed to a larger pop culture success.
Quick Take
"Yes, I did it. I killed Yvette. I hated her so much. Flames-flames, on the side of my face."What do you think of the announcement? Is nearly 35 years after the original a good time to reboot the film for a modern audience? Let us know in the comments below!
