The collaboration, first reported by Ecran Large, will see Netflix develop two live-action films and a brand-new animated series based on Sega's extensive catalog. This strategic alliance comes as Sega intensifies its efforts to translate its beloved intellectual properties into successful cinematic and television ventures, following in the footsteps of rivals like Nintendo, whose Super Mario Bros. Movie proved a global box office sensation. While Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog film trilogy has garnered a respectable $1.19 billion worldwide, the company is clearly eager to broaden its on-screen presence beyond its speedy blue mascot.
Leading the charge for the new slate of adaptations is a live-action feature film inspired by the cult classic Crazy Taxi. Fans of the Dreamcast era will remember the game's frantic, high-octane premise: picking up passengers and racing them to their destinations through city streets, often against traffic, all set to a pumping punk-rock soundtrack. The screenplay for this chaotic ride will be penned by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, known for their work on the 2025 reboot of The Naked Gun.
Adding a surprising twist to the lineup is another live-action film, this time based on Stranger Than Heaven. This title is a brand-new intellectual property from RGG Studio, the acclaimed creators behind the Yakuza and Like a Dragon franchises. Set to debut as a video game in early 2027, Stranger Than Heaven is described as an expansive historical saga spanning five decades, from 1915 Kokura to 1965 Shinjuku. The narrative will follow the rise of an outcast who transforms into a crime boss and eventually an entertainment mogul, promising a gritty and compelling drama for its big-screen adaptation.
Rounding out the initial Netflix slate is a fresh animated series featuring Sega's flagship character, Sonic the Hedgehog. This new show, overseen by Carlos Stevens and producer Toru Nakahara, is designed to appeal to a younger audience than the existing Sonic Prime series (also on Netflix) and will infuse a healthy dose of humor into the adventures of Sonic and his friends.
Toru Nakahara, Sega's head of production, offered a glimpse into the creative vision behind these projects. He expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "We couldn’t be happier to continue our long-standing collaboration with Sega and bring Crazy Taxi to life alongside our partners at Netflix." He also teased the distinct tones for each project: "Expect something cute but trendy for Sonic, hilarious and totally crazy for Crazy Taxi, and a badass action drama for Stranger Than Heaven. We have great creative ideas in store, and we’re just getting started."
This Netflix deal is just one facet of Sega's broader ambition to adapt its entire library. Beyond these announced projects, other Sega properties are in various stages of development with different studios. Universal is reportedly working on a Shinobi film, with Sam Hargrave (known for Extraction) eyed to direct. A Streets of Rage film is also in the pipeline, alongside a musical comedy based on Space Channel 5, a buddy movie for Comix Zone, and a Golden Axe comedy series in development at Paramount+.
With new video game releases like Crazy Taxi: World Tour and Stranger Than Heaven also on the horizon for 2027, Sega is clearly committing to a full-throttle expansion across all entertainment mediums.