In October of last year, we reported that the classic Sega franchise, “Shinobi” was getting a video game adaptation. It was, by all rights, an odd choice given that the franchise has been all but abandoned by Sega. Sure, they want to chase after that video game adaptation money and have something else to go along with Sonic the Hedgehog, but Shinobi? Really? Well, if you thought that was an odd choice, things took a step in an even stranger direction with the announcement that an “OutRun” movie is on the docket.
There was a time where “OutRun” was Sega’s premiere racing franchise and an arcade staple. It was the embodiment of the arcade style of driving games that circumvented realism for the sake of fun. It also hasn’t received any kind of new release since 2009, and even that was an online only release that is no longer available for download. So yeah, its been 16 years but that’s not stopping Sega and Universal from teaming up to make an “OutRun” film, with Michael Bay tapped to direct and Sydney Sweeney attached to produce.
The project is currently in development buy Bay will also be producing under the Platinum Dunes production company. On the Sega side of things, game director Toru Nakahara will be producing with Sega’s COO, Shuji Utsumi. So, at the very least, some fairly big names from the video game side of things will be working on the film. Beyond that, no details of what the film is going to be about or who will be starring have been announced. Still, “OutRun,” of all franchises? That’s the one we’re going with?
This isn’t the first racing related video game to receive an adaptation, though it would be the first under the Sega banner. In 2014, Electronic Arts’ “Need for Speed” series received a film starring Aaron Paul. It didn’t really tear up the box office, but it didn’t do too bad for itself either, making about $200 million on the back of a $66 million budget. 2023 brought us “Gran Turismo,” based off the Sony franchise of the same name. It received fairly decent reviews though performed pretty poorly.
When it comes to “OutRun” though, who is this movie for? If Sweeney is attached to star that could be a bit of a draw considering her popularity. Michael Bay has his own reputation that precedes him, so he could turn this into a silly, stupid, popcorn flick with action and explosions. It’s still a strange choice to go with given the lack of brand recognition “OutRun” has in 2025. Though, maybe we’ll find out that a game is forthcoming to go along with the film? We’ll keep our eyes open and update you with more information as it becomes available.
