October 22, 2025, 9:54 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Original content is struggling more than ever in the film and series landscape. To reach the largest possible audience, film studios and streaming services are increasingly relying on established brands from various sectors to adapt them for the big screen or small screens. Comic book or video game adaptations are already commonplace. With “The Settlers of Catan,” Netflix is now also turning to a board game.
Netflix with Comprehensive Plans for “The Settlers of Catan”
As reported by the U.S. industry magazine “Variety,” Netflix has secured extensive rights to “The Settlers of Catan.” The streaming giant is said to have several projects already in development as a result.
As of now, the plans are diverse and extensive: According to reports, Netflix plans to create both films and series for “The Settlers of Catan.” Specifically for series and television, both fictional (“scripted”) and non-fictional (“unscripted”) formats are being considered. Additionally, projects in live-action or animation form are being contemplated.
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Game Maker Asmodee on Board
Initial personnel in the form of the production team are already known. Among others, Darren Kyman from the game publisher Asmodee, Pete Fenlon from Catan Studios (also part of Asmodee), and brothers Guido and Benjamin Teuber will produce all projects. The latter two are the sons of Klaus Teuber, the creator of “The Settlers of Catan.”
The game was originally released in 1995 and has since become one of the most well-known and successful board games ever. More than 45 million units have been sold worldwide, and “Catan” has been translated into more than 40 languages.
What Could “The Settlers of Catan” on Netflix Be About?
Content details are currently scarce. Some may now wonder what it could even be about. Clues could be provided by the historical novel “The Settlers of Catan” by Rebecca Gablé from 2003, which is based on the game and was initiated by Klaus Teuber himself.
Set in the Viking era, it follows a fictional village community that, after a winter of hunger and an invasion by raiders, decides to search for an island where everything is supposed to be better. After several storms, they land on the legendary island of Catan, said to have been created by the god Odin himself. Initially, things go well for the people. But then a power struggle breaks out, turning friends into enemies and splitting the community into factions.
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Nothing is confirmed yet, but it’s likely that Netflix will draw inspiration from this for its own “The Settlers of Catan” adaptations. Beyond that, nothing is known. It will also be interesting to see what they come up with for the non-fiction formats. A documentary series about the game itself is conceivable. Or a reality show where participants must survive on an island and trade resources with each other, just like in the game.
It’s also conceivable that several of the currently planned projects may be canceled over time.