Get ready for an unexpected thrill ride as Sega's classic arcade racing game, OutRun, is set to hit the big screen with none other than Michael Bay at the helm. The Hollywood Reporter announced that Universal Pictures has enlisted the Transformers director to both direct and produce this high-octane adaptation, with the talented Sydney Sweeney also on board as a producer. Jayson Rothwell is tasked with penning the screenplay, though plot details remain under wraps for now, and no release date has been set.
From the Sega camp, Toru Nakahara, who was instrumental in the Sonic movie franchise, steps in as a producer, while Sega America and Europe CEO Shuji Utsumi will oversee the project. OutRun, originally released in 1986, was a groundbreaking arcade driving game crafted by the legendary Yu Suzuki. Over the years, it has seen various ports and iterations, with the last significant release being OutRun Online Arcade by Sumo Digital in 2009. Despite its recent dormancy, Sega continues to tap into its rich catalog, with new titles in the works for fan-favorites like Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, and Shinobi.
Sega's foray into media adaptations has been successful, particularly with the Sonic movies, which have garnered a massive following, and the recent Amazon series Like a Dragon: Yakuza. The appetite for video game adaptations in Hollywood is stronger than ever, as seen with the record-breaking successes of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the recently released A Minecraft Movie.
As for the OutRun film, one can only speculate about its direction. With Michael Bay and Sydney Sweeney at the wheel, it's not hard to imagine a thrilling, action-packed adventure reminiscent of the Fast & Furious series, where speed and excitement are the main attractions.
