Hollywood’s Next Video Game Blockbuster is a Blast from the Past
Universal Pictures has officially greenlit an adaptation of one of Sega's most beloved arcade games, OutRun, with Michael Bay directing and Sydney Sweeney attached as a producer. That's a high-profile partnership between the director of the type of films one expects from Michael Bay (Transformers) and one of the hottest rising stars in Hollywood right now, most recognizable from Euphoria and Immaculate.
With studios hedging bets on video game IPs, OutRun is moving through a moment that collectively includes The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and A Minecraft Movie.
What is OutRun?
OutRun debuted from Sega in 1986 and has been a hallmark of arcade racers since, making it one of the most cherished classic games in video game history. Created by Yu Suzuki and the Sega AM2 team, OutRun cast the player in the role of an exotic driver, cruising sylvan landscapes in a red Ferrari Testarossa convertible. Unlike other competitive racers, OutRun abstracted competitive racing games to focus on stylishness, freedom, and vibe.
Key features of the original version included
- Branching paths and multiple endings
- A synth-heavy soundtrack
- Gorgeous, vibrant, and colorful landscapes
- Nonlinear gameplay, which was rare at the time
By 1987, it was the highest-grossing arcade game of all time and had sold millions of ports to home consoles and influenced sequels such as OutRun 2.
Big Names behind the wheel
There is no way this adaptation of OutRun will not be an action-visual extravaganza, most certainly designed with Michael Bay aesthetics of high-speed pursuits, extreme perspectives, and energized presence. Sydney Sweeney also brings star factor and legitimacy as a co-producer, putting her stamp on industry significance.
Production information:
- Directing: Michael Bay
- Production: Sydney Sweeney
- Writing: Jayson Rothwell (Polar)
- Sega involvement
- Toru Nakahara (Producer of Sonic films)
- Shuji Utsumi, (Sega President/COO)
This adaptation is also under Bay's Platinum Dunes brand, located within Universal's production slate.
A Cinematic Shift for Retro Arcade Excellence
The idea of adapting OutRun is bold. OutRun does not have an established story like The Last of Us; it has a driver, a car, a clock, and a stylish track. Creatively, that freedom is what makes the project exciting.
What you can expect from the OutRun movie:
- 80s-inspired feel but with today's visual effects
- High-speed chases through sun-drenched highways and neon-lit cities
- Fast-paced retro soundtrack
- Exotic locations and global settings
- Fresh character and plot development can be developed from the ground-up
OutRun is making its way from pixelated streets to cinematic highways as it races toward a new generation of fans. With Michael Bay directing with his keen sense for spectacle, combined with Sydney Sweeney's modern-day appeal, Sega's arcade classic could finally get the blockbuster treatment it has always deserved.
