Universal Pictures is adding to the video game adaptation craze going on right now (i.e. - A Minecraft movie), as the studio has announced that it is developing a feature film based on "OutRun", the iconic arcade racing game from Sega, and it's lining up some major talent to bring the project to life.
Sources close to the production have confirmed that action maestro Michael Bay will direct the film, and rising Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney will produce it. Jayson Rothwell, known for his work on action and thriller projects such as Polar and Arachnid, will write the script.
Bay will also produce the film through his Platinum Dunes production banner, alongside longtime collaborator Brad Fuller. Platinum Dunes, which has a first-look deal with Universal, has consistently delivered commercial hits, including the "A Quiet Place" franchise.
Sweeney, best known for her acting roles in "Euphoria", "Anyone But You", and "Reality", has steadily grown her producing portfolio. Most recently, she produced and starred in the psychological horror film "Immaculate", which debuted under Neon. She is also producing and headlining an upcoming biopic on trailblazing boxer Christy Martin.
Toru Nakahara, who has played a central role in Sega's recent film successes such as "Sonic the Hedgehog" 1-3, "Knuckles", and the in-development "Golden Axe adaptation", is set to produce the "OutRun" movie on behalf of Sega. Additionally, Sega's president and COO Shuji Utsumi will oversee the project.
Though plot details are currently under wraps, the film will be based on the legendary arcade racing game series that first launched in 1986. Developed by Yu Suzuki and AM2, "OutRun" revolutionized racing games with its open-road, third-person perspective and branching paths. The original game became a massive hit in arcades worldwide, not only for its cutting-edge graphics and sense of speed but also for its laid-back, aspirational driving aesthetic. Players cruised through sun-soaked landscapes in a red Ferrari Testarossa, accompanied by an iconic synth-heavy soundtrack that later helped inspire the "OutRun" genre of electronic music.
The game's unique blend of escapist fantasy, stylish visuals, and pulse-pounding gameplay helped it become one of Sega's most beloved and enduring properties. Since its debut, the franchise has seen multiple sequels and ports across various home consoles and remains a nostalgic favorite among fans of retro gaming.
Universal is no stranger to adapting video games into box office gold. In 2023, "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" shattered expectations and raked in an astounding $1.4 billion globally. That same year, the studio also released "Five Nights at Freddy's", which pulled in a robust $290 million worldwide.
No release date has been announced yet.
Tags: outrun, sega, universal pictures, michael bay, sydney sweeney
