Transformers Director Michael Bay Set To Direct SEGA’s OutRun Adaptation In Production With Sydney Sweeney

SEGA CORPORATION is pleased to announce that acclaimed director Michael Bay, recognized for his work on the Transformers franchise has been appointed to direct the forthcoming feature film adaptation of SEGA’s iconic arcade driving game, OutRun, in production with Universal Pictures.

The screenplay will be written by Jayson Rothwell, whose previous credits include Polar and Arachnid. The project will be produced by Michael Bay and Brad Fuller under the Platinum Dunes banner, through their first-look agreement with Universal Pictures. In addition, Sydney Sweeney, known for her production work on Anyone But You and Immaculate, will serve as a producer. Toru Nakahara (Sonic the Hedgehog series, Knuckles, Golden Axe) will produce on behalf of SEGA, with Shuji Utsumi, SEGA CORPORATION’s President and COO, providing executive oversight on the company’s behalf.

Originally released in the 1980s, OutRun quickly rose to become one of the most successful and influential arcade driving games of its time. The title was groundbreaking in its introduction of a relaxed, scenic driving experience – offering players the opportunity to race through vibrant, immersive landscapes rather than traditional circuit tracks. This distinctive gameplay approach not only defined a new genre of racing games but also gave rise to a subgenre of electronic music known as OutRun, characterized by its retro-futuristic aesthetic. The franchise has since expanded through numerous sequels and home console adaptations, and remains one of SEGA’s most celebrated properties.

This project follows Universal Pictures’ recent success in adapting video game properties for the screen, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide, and Five Nights at Freddy’s, which earned over $290 million at the global box office. The studio enters this collaboration with SEGA with strong confidence in the potential of the OutRun adaptation to resonate with audiences worldwide.

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