Sega's iconic arcade racing game, OutRun, is gearing up for an unexpected cinematic journey, with the dynamic duo of Michael Bay and Sydney Sweeney on board. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures has enlisted the visionary director and producer behind the Transformers franchise, Michael Bay, to helm and produce the upcoming OutRun movie. Sydney Sweeney, known for her captivating performances, will also contribute as a producer. The screenplay is in the capable hands of Jayson Rothwell, though specifics about the plot remain under wraps, and no release date has been announced yet.
On the Sega front, Toru Nakahara, who played a key role in the successful Sonic movies, will serve as a producer. Additionally, Shuji Utsumi, the CEO of Sega America and Europe, will oversee the project, ensuring it stays true to the beloved franchise.
Originally launched in 1986, OutRun was a groundbreaking arcade driving game crafted by the legendary Sega developer Yu Suzuki. Over the years, it has seen various iterations and ports, with the last significant release being OutRun Online Arcade in 2009 by Sumo Digital. Although the series has been relatively quiet recently, Sega continues to mine its rich catalog for new projects, with fresh titles in the Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, and Shinobi series currently in development.
Sega's venture into media adaptations has been fruitful, particularly with the Sonic movies, which have garnered immense popularity. Additionally, the adaptation of Like a Dragon: Yakuza, which debuted on Amazon last year, further showcases Sega's commitment to bringing its cherished IPs to new audiences. The gaming industry's surge into Hollywood has been marked by successes like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the recently released A Minecraft Movie, both of which have shattered box office records.
As for the OutRun film, one can only speculate on its direction. Given Michael Bay's penchant for high-octane action and Sydney Sweeney's rising star power, a Fast & Furious-inspired driving and action extravaganza seems like a plausible vision for this exciting new adaptation.
