Another video game adaptation is in the works—and this one’s taking a detour through some unexpected territory. Universal is developing a feature based on OutRun, a classic ‘80s arcade racer from Sega, with Michael Bay lined up to direct and Sydney Sweeney producing.
The project is still early in development, with screenwriter Jayson Rothwell (Polar, Silent Night) tackling the script. Bay will also produce via his Platinum Dunes banner, alongside regular collaborator Brad Fuller. Sweeney, who has two feature credits as both producer and star thus far – 2023 rom-com Anyone But You and 2024 horror film Immaculate – joins the project in a producing role only. It remains to be seen if she decides to take on a starring role too, although it would make sense from a marketing standpoint – Sweeney, fast cars, Bayhem.
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As was first reported by Deadline, OutRun is being developed under Universal’s first-look deal with Platinum Dunes. Sega executive producer Toru Nakahara (Sonic the Hedgehog, Knuckles) is also on board, with Sega Corp. president Shuji Utsumi overseeing on the studio’s side.
From Arcade Screens to Movie Screens
First released in arcades in 1986, OutRun became a staple of its era—not for being a hardcore racing sim, but for its chilled-out, open-road energy. Players raced a red Ferrari Testarossa through branching tracks while bopping along to chip-tune music, choosing routes and soundtracks as they went. In short: less Fast & Furious, more top-down convertible and synth playlist on a summer highway.
Plot details are currently under wraps, which tracks—OutRun was never heavy on narrative. Any adaptation is likely to rely more on tone and aesthetic than direct translation, although with Bay in the director’s seat, expect plenty of vehicular mayhem and big booms.
Sweeney’s not starring in OutRun (yet), but her car passion might explain why this particular IP made it onto her radar. The Euphoria star restores vintage vehicles in her downtime and has driven in NASCAR events.
Whether the film leans into the arcade charm or opts for something louder and shinier remains to be seen. Either way, Universal is clearly still interested in keeping its video game slate stacked following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Five Nights at Freddy’s.
Here’s a look back at some of that old-school gameplay:
