Netflix has revealed plans for three new video game adaptations from Sega: a live-action comedy film based on Crazy Taxi, a new animated series featuring Sonic the Hedgehog, and a live-action movie adaptation of RGG Studio's upcoming title, Stranger Than Heaven. The Crazy Taxi film is described as a "live-action comedy," while the Stranger Than Heaven adaptation is categorized as "live-action crime."
The Crazy Taxi movie will be written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, known for their work on the recent reboot of The Naked Gun. Producers Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, and Toru Nakahara, who were involved in the Sonic franchise adaptations, are attached to produce.
Brandon Riegg, VP of Nonfiction and Transmedia at Netflix, expressed enthusiasm for the diverse Sega catalog. "With Crazy Taxi, Sonic, and Stranger Than Heaven, we get to work across three completely different eras of Sega’s catalog, celebrating everything fans love, while introducing them to new audiences," Riegg stated.
Shuji Utsumi, President and COO of Sega, echoed this sentiment, noting Netflix's dedication to adapting stories. "The fandoms of these games deserve storytelling that honors what makes each title special, and we know Netflix shares that commitment," Utsumi said. Toru Nakahara, Head Producer at Sega, teased that fans can anticipate "something cute yet cool" for Sonic, something "hilariously crazy" for Crazy Taxi, and a "badass action drama" for Stranger Than Heaven.
The new Sonic animated series is intended for an upper preschool audience, described as a "high-voltage, comedic, yet emotionally grounded series" that aims to give young viewers "a little edge, a little attitude, and a lot of ‘that’s my crew’ wish fulfillment." This new series joins the previously released three seasons of "Sonic Prime," which are currently available on Netflix.
Stranger Than Heaven, developed by RGG Studio, the creators of the Like a Dragon/Yakuza series, is set in early 20th-century Japan. The story follows a foreigner who rises from obscurity to become a feared yakuza figure and an entertainment tycoon amidst a changing nation. The live-action film adaptation aims to explore this epic world and franchise from a new perspective.
These projects are part of Netflix's broader strategy of expanding its video game adaptation portfolio. The streaming service also has a live-action Assassin's Creed series, a live-action Gears of War film, animated series based on Minecraft, Magic: The Gathering, and Clash of Clans, and an Overcooked competition series in development. Previous adaptations include "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" and "Splinter Cell: Deathwatch," with "Devil May Cry" concluding its third and final season. Additionally, Blizzard announced an animated Diablo series for Netflix, with ongoing discussions for adaptations of Overwatch and Warcraft.