Michael Bay and Sydney Sweeney Team Up for OutRun Movie Adaptation

Image: Sega's OutRun, Michael Bay, and Sydney Sweeney.

Universal Pictures is shifting into high gear with a new video game adaptation — this time revving up Sega’s classic arcade racing title OutRun for the big screen.

Michael Bay, known for explosive blockbusters like Transformers, Armageddon, and the Bad Boys franchise, is set to direct and produce the film. Sydney Sweeney, fresh off a string of high-profile roles, will also join the project as a producer.

The project is in development with Jayson Rothwell (Polar) penning the script, according to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter.

Representing Sega, Toru Nakahara will also produce, with Sega Corporation president Shuji Utsumi overseeing the adaptation on behalf of the gaming company.

This move follows a wave of successful video game adaptations, including Universal’s own The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog series, and Warner Bros.’ Minecraft film. With OutRun, Universal is betting on retro arcade charm and high-octane thrills.

About the Game: A Racing Icon

The original OutRun game, released in 1986, put players behind the wheel of a Ferrari Testarossa convertible with a simple but addictive goal: avoid traffic and reach checkpoints before time runs out.

The game became famous for its colorful visuals, branching pathways that let players choose different routes, and its iconic soundtrack featuring tunes like "Magical Sound Shower" and "Splash Wave."

Unlike many modern video games, OutRun doesn't have a complex story or characters. The game simply features a stylish male driver cruising through beautiful landscapes in his sports car, often with a female passenger by his side. This simplicity presents both a challenge and opportunity for the filmmakers to create an engaging narrative around the driving experience.

The OutRun series has enjoyed enduring popularity, spawning sequels such as Turbo OutRun (1989), OutRun Europa (1991), and OutRun 2019 (1992). The franchise saw a major revival with OutRun 2 in 2003, which updated the gameplay with modern graphics while staying true to the arcade roots.

Critics and fans continue to praise the series for its timeless mechanics, joyful tone, and technical achievements, with the original OutRun frequently ranked among the greatest video games ever made. Its visual style and Ferrari flair have influenced not just games, but broader retro aesthetics in pop culture.

What to Expect from the Film

While no plot details have been shared yet for the film adaptation, the project faces the creative challenge of expanding a game with minimal narrative into a feature-length story. However, the premise of an open-road journey through scenic landscapes offers ample room for action, drama, and perhaps even a hint of romance — all within Bay’s wheelhouse.

Universal is also preparing to release Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (based on 2014's indie point-and-click survival horror game) later this year, following up on the successful horror film adaptation starring Josh Hutcherson.