Michael Bay and Sydney Sweeney are teaming up to bring the classic racing video game “OutRun” to the big screen. Bay will direct and produce the film, while Sweeney is attached as a producer. Universal Pictures is behind the project, with Jayson Rothwell set to write the screenplay.
The plot details are being kept under wraps for now. Bay and his producing partner Brad Fuller will produce through their Platinum Dunes banner, which has a first-look deal with Universal. Toru Nakahara will also produce on behalf of Sega, the company behind the “OutRun” franchise.
“OutRun” first debuted in arcades in 1986. The game challenged players to race through various stages while avoiding traffic and reaching the finish line before time ran out. The game spawned several sequels over the years and remains one of Sega’s most iconic franchises.
Sweeney co-produces racing video adaptation
It is credited with pioneering a new genre of driving games and even inspired an electronic music style named after it. Universal has found success with video game adaptations recently, including “The Super Mario Bros.
Movie” which grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide. The studio is also developing a “Five Nights at Freddy’s” movie. Sweeney has been building her producing resume lately.
She is set to produce and star in the horror film “Immaculate” and is developing a biopic about boxer Christy Martin. Bay and Platinum Dunes have also been busy, recently producing the thriller “A Quiet Place: Day One” with Blumhouse. Rothwell’s recent writing credits include the upcoming “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.”
The “OutRun” movie will be overseen at Universal by executive vice president of production Matt Reilly and senior vice president of production Ryan Jones.
No release date has been set yet.
Image Credits: Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
