Sega's iconic arcade racing game, OutRun, is set to hit the big screen in a surprising movie adaptation, with acclaimed director Michael Bay and actress Sydney Sweeney attached to the project. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures has tapped Bay, known for his work on the Transformers series, to direct and produce the film. Sweeney will also take on a producer role, while Jayson Rothwell is set to pen the screenplay. Although plot details and a release date remain under wraps, anticipation is building for what this adaptation will bring to the table.
On the Sega front, Toru Nakahara, a key figure in the Sonic movie franchise, will serve as a producer. Additionally, Sega America and Europe CEO Shuji Utsumi will oversee the project, ensuring the game's legacy is honored in its cinematic transition. OutRun, originally launched in 1986 and designed by the legendary Yu Suzuki, has enjoyed a rich history with various versions and ports. The last major release was OutRun Online Arcade by Sumo Digital in 2009, indicating a potential revival of interest in the franchise.
Sega has been actively tapping into its extensive back catalogue for new projects, with upcoming games like Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, and Shinobi. The company's push into adaptations of its intellectual properties has been successful, as seen with the popular Sonic movies and the recent Like a Dragon: Yakuza series on Amazon. With the video game movie genre on the rise, evidenced by the success of films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming A Minecraft Movie, the timing seems perfect for OutRun's cinematic debut.
As for the film's direction, fans speculate that Michael Bay and Sydney Sweeney might draw inspiration from the high-octane action and thrilling driving sequences of the Fast & Furious franchise, making OutRun a must-watch for both gamers and movie enthusiasts alike.
