Michael Bay and Sydney Sweeney are gearing up to bring the exhilarating world of Sega's iconic video game franchise, OutRun, to the big screen in a spellbinding cinematic adaptation. Universal Pictures stands as the driving force behind this thrilling venture, with Bay set to don both the director's hat and the producer's cloak, while Sweeney joins him in a producer capacity. Jayson Rothwell has been entrusted with the task of crafting the screenplay, though the intricate details of the plot remain shrouded in mystery for now.
Bay, in collaboration with Brad Fuller, will helm the production through Platinum Dunes' exclusive partnership with the studio. Toru Nakahara will lend his expertise as a producer for Sega, with Shuji Utsumi, the president of Sega Corporation, keeping a watchful eye on the film's development on behalf of the gaming behemoth.
The original OutRun game, which premiered in 1986, challenged players to navigate bustling traffic and reach their destination against the ticking clock. Over the years, it has solidified its status as a cornerstone franchise for Sega, with numerous sequels cementing its legacy.
Matt Reilly, Universal's Executive Vice President of Production Development, and Ryan Jones, Senior Vice President of Production Development, are overseeing the project within the studio. Hollywood has taken notice of the potential in video game adaptations, evidenced by the triumphs of Universal's The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Paramount's Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, and Warner Bros. and Legendary's A Minecraft Movie, which premiered this month. Universal is also set to unleash Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 later this year, serving as a sequel to the horror film adaptation led by Josh Hutcherson.
Sweeney will soon captivate audiences alongside Julianne Moore in Echo Valley, premiering on Apple TV+ in June. Bay is represented by Rich Cook at Range Media Partners, while Sweeney is managed by Paradigm, imPRint, and Stewart Brookman at Hansen Jacobson. Rothwell, meanwhile, is represented by Cliff Roberts at Syndicate Entertainment and Austin Williams at Sloane Offer.
This adaptation promises to be a high-octane ride through the nostalgic lanes of OutRun, delivering a visual and narrative feast for both gaming enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.
