A viral article about a massive conspiracy has been optioned for a movie adaptation, with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon attached. The original reporting appeared on The Daily Beast, and detailed how a former cop rigged the McDonald's Monopoly game and stole $24 million in the process.

Deadline reports that Affleck will direct, with Damon to star in the lead role. Deadpool's Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese will pen the script. The true crime story reportedly kicked off a bidding war with several big names attached, including Kevin Hart, Steve Carell, Robert Downey Jr, and studios like Universal and Netflix. The winning bid went to Pearl Street Partners' David Klawans, who will executive produce; he previously worked with Affleck on Argo.

The story details an FBI sting that caught onto a criminal conspiracy. The mastermind, known as "Uncle Jerry," was laundering stolen game pieces through intermediaries who would pocket the winnings and give him a share. The sprawling conspiracy encompassed mobsters, a psychic, strip club owners, and a family of Mormons.

Affleck and Damon have a long history of working together since their earliest days in cinema. Affleck has gone on to direct films such as Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and Argo, while continuing his acting career.