Sony, Sandler sweet on 'Candy Land'

SandlerHasbro is in final talks with Columbia Pictures and Adam Sandler's Happy Madison banner to develop "Candy Land," a live-action movie based on the bestselling Hasbro board game that Sandler is attached to topline. Kevin Lima ("Enchanted") is attached to direct from a script that Sandler and Robert Smigel are in talks to write. "Candy Land" will be produced by Hasbro prexy/CEO Brian Goldner ("Transformers") and Bennett Schneir ("Battleship"), Hasbro's senior VP and managing director of motion pictures, as well as Happy Madison Prods. Columbia exec Sam Dickerman will oversee the project for the studio. "Candy Land is more than just a game. It is a brand that children, parents and grandparents know and love," said Columbia prexy Doug Belgrad. "The world of Candy Land offers an extraordinary canvas upon which to create a fantastical, live-action family adventure film with a larger than life part for Adam. We are thrilled to partner with Hasbro and Happy Madison on this project." "The creative talent on board for this movie is amazing and we are excited to bring alive the world of Candy Land for kids and families everywhere," added Goldner. "Sony/Columbia has been a wonderful creative partner as we develop another of our games, Risk, for the big screen. We are looking forward to working with Sony/Columbia and Adam Sandler and his team at Happy Madison Productions on this film." Created in 1949, Candy Land has been played by generations of families. Game includes characters such as Princess Frostine, Lord Licorice, Mr. Mint, and King Candy, as well as fantastical lands such as the Peppermint Forest, the Gum Drop Mountains, and the Lollypop Woods. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com