Subscription service Netflix has had a number of live-action adaptations of existing IPs, some more successful than others. Recently, the company announced that it struck a deal with Sega to bring a few of the latter’s IPs to life. The first in line looks to be Crazy Taxi, with Sonic and even Stranger Than Heaven, the upcoming game that’s supposed to serve as the prequel to the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series, also being in the queue.
Being the first project out of the deal, Crazy Taxi looks to be the one that’s farthest ahead in terms of progress, but that’s not really saying much. For now, Netflix has shared that it will be a live-action adaptation. It will be written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, the duo behind the 2025 reboot of The Naked Gun, who will try to “bring the game’s chaotic, comedic spirit to the adaptation”. Also listed are Toby Ascher and Toru Nakahara, who are described as “the visionary producers behind the Sonic franchise”.
Next in line is a Sonic animated series, which is targeted “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”. This project is noted to be currently in development with Carlos Stevens and the aforementioned Toru Nakahara. Not much else is described about this project, but while waiting, you could watch the existing three seasons of Sonic Prime.
Finally, there’s the live-action adaptation of Stranger Than Heaven, a game which isn’t even out yet. It’s currently scheduled for a 15 January 2027 release, so chances are the adaptation will only be happening quite a while after the game’s release. With that in mind, while details are still under wraps as Netflix itself describes it, that could really also be said about the game, and more of both will be revealed once the game launches.
(Source: Netflix)
