Sonic, STRANGER THAN HEAVEN Adaptations also in Development
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SEGA and Netflix today announced a new collaboration to bring a film adaptation ofCrazy Taxito Netflix, with the companies also developing a slate of adaptations from SEGA’s catalog includingSonicandSTRANGER THAN HEAVEN. The slate spans genres, styles and formats — live-action comedy, kids’ animation and live-action crime — reflecting the range of SEGA’s library and drawing on Netflix’s experience bringing beloved game worlds to new audiences.
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The first project out of the deal, the feature adaptation ofCrazy Taxi, will be written by Dan Gregor & Doug Mand, the beloved writing duo behind the 2025 reboot ofThe Naked Gun. Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, and Toru Nakahara, the visionary producers behind theSonicfranchise, are on board to produce.
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Quote from Netflix:“Great games already have what every adaptation is chasing — characters people love, worlds they know by heart, and fandoms that show up,”said Brandon Riegg, VP of Nonfiction and Transmedia at Netflix. “WithCrazy Taxi,Sonic, andSTRANGER 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.”
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Quote from SEGA:”We’ve watched Netflix take on stories across every kind of format and treat each one with real craft, and seeing that same dedication applied toSonic,Crazy Taxi, andSTRANGER THAN HEAVENis something we at SEGA are incredibly proud to be a part of,” saidShuji Utsumi, President and COO of SEGA. “The fandoms of these games deserve storytelling that honors what makes each title special, and we know Netflix shares that commitment. This is just the start of what these titles can become.”
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Quote from SEGA:”Expect something cute yet cool forSonic, hilariously crazy forCrazy Taxi, and a badass action drama forSTRANGER THAN HEAVEN,because we’ve got some amazing creative ideas lined up and we are just getting started. The whole team is absolutely thrilled!” saidToru Nakahara, Head Producer at SEGA.
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Quote from Original Film:“We couldn’t be more thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with SEGA and bringCrazy Taxito life with our partners at Netflix,” saidNeal H. Moritz and Toby Ascher.“This film is for anyone who’s spent hours behind the wheel of a yellow cab on their Dreamcast, with the music cranked up, smashing through everything in sight just to make the next fare.”
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Crazy Taxi:Since its 1999 arcade debut,Crazy Taxihas put players behind the wheel of a fearless cabbie racing the clock through chaotic city streets — flying off ramps, dodging traffic, and chasing tips with punk-rock energy that became the series’ signature. The latest title in the franchise,Crazy Taxi: World Tour, is scheduled for release in 2027. The beloved writing duo behind the 2025 reboot ofThe Naked Gun, Dan Gregor & Doug Mand, will bring the game’s chaotic, comedic spirit to the adaptation, with Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, and Toru Nakahara, the visionary producers behind theSonicfranchise, are on board to produce.
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Writers: Dan Gregor & Doug Mand; Producers: Neal H. Moritz and Toby Ascher for Original Film, and Toru Nakahara
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Sonic:The new animated series, currently in development with Carlos Stevens and Toru Nakahara, will present Sonic and his friends as heroes for an upper pre-school audience — a high-voltage, comedic, yet emotionally grounded series built for kids who want to feel a little edge, a little attitude, and a lot of “that’s my crew” wish fulfillment. Three seasons of Netflix’sSonic Primeare also now available to stream only on Netflix.
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STRANGER THAN HEAVEN:From RGG Studio — developer of theLike a Dragon / Yakuzaseries —STRANGER THAN HEAVENtakes place in early 20th-century Japan, following a foreigner who claws his way from destitute stranger to feared yakuza to entertainment tycoon. Against the backdrop of a changing nation, how will he build an empire while balancing honor and betrayal? Details are under wraps, but a live-action film will bring a new lens to this epic world and franchise.
These SEGA games will join Netflix’s growing slate of video game adaptations including: a live-actionAssassin’s Creedseries; live-actionGears of Warfilm; animated series adaptations based onMinecraft,Magic: The GatheringandClash of Clans;Overcookedcompetition series;second seasons of returning favoritesCyberpunk: EdgerunnersandSplinter Cell: Deathwatch; and the third and final season ofDevil May Cry.
SEGA, the SEGA logo, CRAZY TAXI, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, STRANGER THAN HEAVEN, LIKE A DRAGON and YAKUZA are registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA CORPORATION. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are property of their respective owners.
