SEGA and Netflix announced a new collaboration on September 15, 2026. This collaboration will bring a film adaptation of the game *Crazy Taxi* to the big screen. The two companies are also developing adaptations of *Sonic* and *Stranger Than Heaven* as part of the same agreement.
This slate includes several different genres. There are live-action comedies, children’s animations, and live-action crime dramas. This lineup reflects the diversity of SEGA’s game catalog.
"Crazy Taxi" Is Being Developed by the Writing Duo Behind "The Naked Gun"
The movie *Crazy Taxi* was written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. The two are best known for their screenplay for the 2025 reboot of *The Naked Gun*. The project is produced by Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, and Toru Nakahara—the same team behind the *Sonic* movie.
Shuji Utsumi, President and COO of SEGA, noted that Netflix always takes every storytelling format seriously. He believes the same respect will be shown to *Sonic*, *Crazy Taxi*, and *Stranger Than Heaven*. Toru Nakahara, Head Producer at SEGA, added that the film will retain the humor and chaos characteristic of the original games.
Crazy Taxi first appeared as an arcade game in 1999. The game is known for its gameplay, which involves driving a taxi recklessly while racing against the clock. The latest title in the series, Crazy Taxi: World Tour, is scheduled for release in 2027.
Sonic Gets a New Animated Series for Kids
An animated series based on Sonic is currently in development with Carlos Stevens and Toru Nakahara. The series is aimed at preschool-aged children. The storytelling style is designed to be energetic while still maintaining an emotional depth.
In addition to this new series, "Sonic Prime" is now available exclusively on Netflix. The series has already spanned three seasons.
"Stranger Than Heaven" Brings the World of the Yakuza to the Big Screen
Stranger Than Heaven was developed by RGG Studio, the same team behind the Like a Dragon and Yakuza series. The story is set in early 20th-century Japan. The main character is a migrant. He starts out as an ordinary outsider, then joins the yakuza, and eventually becomes an influential entertainment entrepreneur.
Details of the story are still under wraps. Toru Nakahara is serving as producer for this live-action film project.
Part of Slate's Expansion into Netflix Game Adaptations
Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s VP of Nonfiction and Transmedia, says video games have strong potential for adaptation. Characters that audiences love, familiar worlds, and a solid fan base are the main reasons. According to him, these three SEGA titles represent three different eras of the SEGA catalog.
These three SEGA titles join the ever-growing list of Netflix video game adaptations.
Some of the projects on that list include:
- Assassin’s Creed live-action series
- Gears of War live-action movie
- Animated series based on Minecraft, Magic: The Gathering, and Clash of Clans
- Overcooked Competition
- Season 2 of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
- The third and final season of Devil May Cry
This collaboration between SEGA and Netflix adds to the growing list of games adapted for Netflix. Fans of these three SEGA titles will have to wait for further updates as work on these projects begins.
