OutRun: Michael Bay and Sydney Sweeney Surprise Movie Adaptation Revealed

Sega’s classic arcade racing game OutRun is getting an unexpected movie adaptation, with Michael Bay and Sydney Sweeney onboard.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures has enlisted Transformers director Bay to direct and produce the OutRun film, while Sweeney is also confirmed as a producer. Jayson Rothwell will pen the screenplay, though no plot details have been revealed—and no release date has been set.

On Sega’s side, Toru Nakahara, who contributed to the Sonic films, is serving as a producer, and Shuji Utsumi, CEO of Sega America and Europe, will oversee the project.

OutRun first launched in 1986 as a visually striking arcade driving game created by Sega legend Yu Suzuki. Over the years, it has spawned multiple versions and ports, including a proper sequel in 2003, but has largely remained inactive in recent times. The most recent release arrived in 2009 with Sumo Digital’s OutRun Online Arcade.

Sega, however, has been drawing from its deep catalog, with new titles for Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, and Shinobi currently in development.

Sega has also been actively pursuing film adaptations of its prized franchises. The Sonic movies have become major hits, and last year saw the release of Like a Dragon: Yakuza on Amazon. Hollywood is eager for more video game films, as demonstrated by the record-breaking success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the recently released A Minecraft Movie.

As for the tone of the OutRun film, Bay and Sweeney may be envisioning a Fast & Furious-style action-driven driving spectacle.