Kevin Hart to star in Monopoly movie

Kevin Hart has signed on to star in a film based on classic board game Monopoly.

The Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle star will reunite with his Ride Along and Night School director Tim Story for the project, which Hart will also produce under his HartBeat Productions label.

Plot details, other casting news, and a production start date is being kept under wraps, but the game involves players rolling the dice to gain opportunities to buy properties on the board. A previous project was reportedly in the works but it fell apart.

Kevin is currently enjoying box office success with his new movie The Upside, which jumped to number one at the North American box office over the weekend with a $19.6 million (£15.1 million) debut.

"This honestly might be my biggest box office accomplishment of my career," Hart wrote on Instagram earlier this week (ends18Jan19). "There is always a 'Upside' to Everything... God is Good. I am beyond thankful for my fans & their love & support."

"I also want to give a huge Shoutout to STXFilms for supporting this movie & getting it to a point where it could be seen by audiences worldwide...," he added. "I also want to thank (director) @neil.burger & (co-stars) @bryancranston & @nicolekidman and all the other actors & actresses & crew that were involved in the making of this movie!!!!! This is HUUUGGGEEE... make sure you guys go see it. P.S look mom your boy has another #1 movie in the box office (sic)!!!!!!"

Hart's movie news comes on the heels of his Oscars hosting controversy - he stepped down as MC for the 2019 ceremony after a series of derogatory Twitter comments aimed at the gay and lesbian community, dating back to 2008, resurfaced online.