Sega's iconic arcade racing game, OutRun, is set to hit the big screen in an unexpected movie adaptation, with Michael Bay, the director behind the Transformers franchise, at the helm. Sydney Sweeney, known for her compelling performances, is also on board as a producer. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures has tapped Bay to direct and produce this thrilling project, with Jayson Rothwell penning the screenplay. Although plot details remain under wraps and no release date has been announced, anticipation is already building.
On the Sega front, Toru Nakahara, who played a key role in the successful Sonic movies, will serve as a producer, while Sega America and Europe CEO Shuji Utsumi will oversee the film's development. OutRun, which debuted in 1986, was a groundbreaking arcade driving game crafted by the legendary Sega developer Yu Suzuki. Over the years, it has seen numerous versions and ports, with its most recent iteration, OutRun Online Arcade by Sumo Digital, released in 2009. Despite a period of dormancy, Sega continues to leverage its rich catalog, with new titles in the works for Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, and Shinobi.
Sega's venture into film adaptations of its cherished intellectual properties has been notably successful. The Sonic movies have garnered a massive following, and the recent Like a Dragon: Yakuza series on Amazon further showcases the company's commitment to bringing its games to new audiences. The success of other video game adaptations, such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming A Minecraft Movie, underscores Hollywood's growing appetite for gaming-inspired content.
As for the OutRun movie, fans might expect a high-octane, action-packed adventure reminiscent of the Fast & Furious series, given Michael Bay's signature style and Sydney Sweeney's involvement. This exciting development promises to bring the adrenaline-pumping experience of OutRun to life on the silver screen.
