Sega’s iconic arcade racing game, OutRun, is set to hit the big screen in a surprise movie adaptation, with acclaimed director Michael Bay and rising star Sydney Sweeney attached to the project. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures has enlisted Bay, known for his work on the Transformers series, to both direct and produce the film, while Sweeney will also serve as a producer. The screenplay will be penned by Jayson Rothwell, though details about the plot remain under wraps, and no release date has been announced yet.
On the Sega side, the project is being steered by Toru Nakahara, a producer who worked on the successful Sonic movies, with Sega America and Europe CEO Shuji Utsumi overseeing the film. OutRun, originally launched in 1986, was a groundbreaking arcade driving game designed by the legendary Sega developer Yu Suzuki. Over the years, it has seen various versions and ports, including a sequel in 2003 and the most recent release in 2009 with Sumo Digital's OutRun Online Arcade. Despite its recent dormancy, Sega has been actively revisiting its rich catalog, with new games in the works for titles like Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, and Shinobi.
Sega has also been keen on adapting its coveted intellectual properties for the screen. The Sonic movies have enjoyed immense popularity, and last year saw the launch of Like a Dragon: Yakuza on Amazon. Hollywood's appetite for video game adaptations remains strong, as evidenced by the record-breaking success of films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the recent release of A Minecraft Movie.
As for the OutRun movie, speculation abounds on what form it might take. Given Michael Bay's flair for high-octane action and Sydney Sweeney's involvement, fans might be anticipating a thrilling, Fast & Furious-style driving and action flick.
