Universal Pictures is revving up development on a live-action film based on Sega’s classic arcade game OutRun, with Michael Bay set to direct and Sydney Sweeney on board as a producer. The project will be also produced by Bay and Brad Fuller, alongside Toru Nakahara representing Sega.
Released in 1986, OutRun was more than just a racing game — it was a pop-culture phenomenon that introduced a new genre of driving experiences defined by open roads, exotic cars, and a breezy, sun-soaked aesthetic. The game’s signature red Ferrari, rolling landscapes, and synth-heavy soundtrack inspired a generation of gamers and even spawned the retro-futuristic OutRun music genre still thriving today.
While plot details remain under wraps,Jayson Rothwell (Polar) has been confirmed as the screenwriter.
OutRun marks yet another step in Universal’s growing commitment to adapting video game properties. The studio recently scored massive hits with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over $1.4 billion globally, and Five Nights at Freddy’s, which brought in more than $290 million worldwide.
With Bay’s signature flair for explosive visuals and Sweeney’s rising star power both behind and potentially in front of the camera, OutRun could bring new life to a beloved arcade world — and deliver a cinematic joyride worthy of its iconic roots.
