Get ready for a thrilling ride as Sega's classic arcade racing game, OutRun, is set to hit the big screen in a surprising movie adaptation. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Universal Pictures has tapped none other than Michael Bay, the mastermind behind the Transformers franchise, to direct and produce this high-octane film. Joining him as a producer is the talented Sydney Sweeney. Jayson Rothwell, known for his work on the screenplay, will be penning the script, though plot details remain under wraps. No release date has been announced yet, leaving fans eager for more information.
On the Sega front, Toru Nakahara, who played a key role in the successful Sonic movies, will be producing the OutRun film. Shuji Utsumi, CEO of Sega America and Europe, will oversee the project, ensuring it stays true to the beloved game's legacy.
Originally launched in 1986, OutRun quickly became a fan favorite due to its stunning graphics and engaging gameplay, crafted by the legendary Sega developer Yu Suzuki. Over the years, it has seen numerous versions and ports, with a notable sequel released in 2003. Although the series has been relatively quiet in recent times, the last release was in 2009 with Sumo Digital's OutRun Online Arcade.
Sega has been actively revisiting its rich catalog, with new titles in development for Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, and Shinobi, showing their commitment to bringing classic games back to life.
In addition to gaming, Sega has been pushing the boundaries with adaptations of its iconic IP. The Sonic movies have been a massive hit, and last year saw the launch of Like a Dragon: Yakuza on Amazon. With Hollywood's appetite for video game films growing, as evidenced by the record-breaking success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the recently released A Minecraft Movie, the future looks bright for game-to-film adaptations.
As for the OutRun movie, fans can only speculate. With Michael Bay at the helm, known for his explosive action sequences, and Sydney Sweeney's involvement, there's a possibility they envision a Fast & Furious-style driving and action-packed adventure. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project develops.
