Bay, Sweeney team up for OutRun film adaptation

Sega's classic arcade racing title OutRun is getting an unexpected Hollywood treatment, with Michael Bay and Sydney Sweeney attached to the project.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Universal Pictures has engaged Transformers director Bay to helm and produce the OutRun adaptation, with Sweeney also joining as producer. Screenwriter Jayson Rothwell is tapped for scripting duties, though plot specifics remain under wraps. No release window has been announced.

Sega's involvement includes Toru Nakahara (producer of the Sonic films) onboard as producer, with Sega America and Europe CEO Shuji Utsumi overseeing production.

OutRun originally launched in 1986 as a visually groundbreaking arcade racer created by Sega legend Yu Suzuki. While receiving multiple ports and a proper sequel in 2003, the franchise has remained relatively quiet recently, with Sumo Digital's OutRun Online Arcade marking its last release in 2009.

Meanwhile, Sega continues revisiting its classic catalog with new Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, and Shinobi titles currently in development.

The company has seen significant success adapting its IPs, with the Sonic films achieving massive popularity and Amazon's Like a Dragon: Yakuza series launching last year. Hollywood's appetite for video game adaptations continues growing, demonstrated by The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the recently released Minecraft film shattering box office records.

While details remain scarce, industry observers speculate Bay and Sweeney might develop a high-octane action film inspired by the Fast & Furious franchise style.