Sega’s iconic arcade racing title OutRun is getting an unexpected big-screen adaptation, with acclaimed director Michael Bay and rising star Sydney Sweeney joining the project.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures has tapped Transformers director Michael Bay to helm and produce the OutRun movie, with Sweeney also serving as a producer. Screenwriter Jayson Rothwell is drafted to pen the script, though specific plot details and release dates remain under wraps.
Representing Sega's interests are Toru Nakahara (producer of the Sonic film series) as producer, with Sega America and Europe CEO Shuji Utsumi overseeing production.
Originally launched in 1986 as a visually groundbreaking arcade racer by legendary Sega developer Yu Suzuki, OutRun spawned multiple ports and versions over the years. While 2003 saw a proper sequel, the franchise has been relatively quiet since 2009's OutRun Online Arcade by Sumo Digital.
The announcement aligns with Sega's current strategy of reviving classic franchises, including upcoming reboots for Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, and Shinobi.
Sega continues capitalizing on its intellectual property through adaptations. While the Sonic films dominate the box office, Amazon recently premiered Like a Dragon: Yakuza. The film industry shows growing appetite for video game adaptations, evidenced by record-breaking performances from The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the newly released Minecraft film.
As for OutRun's cinematic direction, industry observers speculate potential parallels with high-octane racing franchises like Fast & Furious.
