We've seen board-games get the big-screen or TV adaptation treatment on several occasions, but there are plenty more that remain in development, and it seems as though we can add Risk to that list. The classic board-game of diplomacy and conquest finds players controlling armies to capture territory and rule the world, and is also responsible for more than its share of broken relationships.
Entertainment One (eOne), which is owned by Hasbro, announced today that they would be partnering with Westward to develop a TV series adaptation of Risk. Westward's Beau Willimon, who created Netflix's House of Cards series and Hulu's The First, is onboard to write and oversee production on the series, and it should be mentioned that Willimon is an "avid fan" of the game. "As we continue to build out eOne’s world-class content slate, we couldn’t think of more perfect partners than Beau and Jordan – whose award-winning storytelling and imagination are among the best in the business," said Michael Lombardo, President, Global Television, eOne. "In Beau, we’ve found an amazing combination of brilliant producer, singular creator, and avid fan of Risk. We can’t wait to work with him and the rest of the Westward team to reimagine that brand and so much more." Willimon and his Westward producing partner Jordan Tappis added, "All of us at Westward are thrilled to join forces with eOne to bring to life some of the most successful IP in the marketplace as well as partner on our extensive slate of scripted television shows. We’re excited to develop Risk as our first project together."
This isn't the first time that an adaptation of Risk was in development, as a feature-film version of the board-game was in development a decade ago. Perhaps they'll have better luck this time around, and, as always, learn from the mistakes of Battleship.