Sega and Netflix are expanding a developing creative partnership with three new screen adaptations drawn from Sega’s back catalog, Variety reports.
The slate reportedly includes a new Sonic animated project, a live‑action Crazy Taxi feature, and a film based on Stranger Than Heaven, which Variety describes as an upcoming prequel game to the Like A Dragon (formerly Yakuza) series.
All three projects are reported to be in active development at Netflix.
The Crazy Taxi film is said to be scripted by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, and produced by Neal H.
Moritz, Toby Ascher and Sega producer Toru Nakahara.
Sega veteran Nakahara — who has production credits on previous Sonic live‑action adaptations — told reporters the team has distinct creative directions in mind for each title, describing Sonic as something that will skew both "cute and cool," Crazy Taxi as leaning into a "hilariously chaotic" tone, and Stranger Than Heaven as a "hard‑edged action drama." In journalistic terms, Nakahara said the projects will aim to fit different tonal identities — playful and stylish for Sonic, anarchic for Crazy Taxi, and gritty for Stranger Than Heaven — and that the production teams are energized about the slate.
Sega’s president and COO Shuji Utsumi also commented on the collaboration, stating that Sega values Netflix’s approach to storytelling and expects adaptations that respect each franchise’s fanbase.
Paraphrasing Utsumi’s remarks: Sega sees Netflix as a partner that applies careful craft to multiple formats, and the company is proud to work with a service committed to honoring the unique qualities of Sonic, Crazy Taxi and the Like A Dragon universe.
These announcements arrive against a backdrop of Sega’s long history across platforms.
Sonic the Hedgehog began in 1991 on Sega’s Genesis/Mega Drive and remains the company’s flagship IP across consoles and streaming media; Crazy Taxi debuted in arcades and on the Dreamcast in 1999 and has since seen multiple ports and mobile iterations; the Like A Dragon series (developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio) launched in 2005 on PlayStation 2 and has grown into a multi‑title franchise.
Sega has increasingly released modern titles on platforms such as Nintendo Switch and through digital storefronts like the eShop, reflecting a multi‑platform publishing strategy.
Variety is the primary source for the production credits and project descriptions.
Sega and Netflix have not announced release dates or full creative teams beyond the names reported.
As these adaptations progress, official updates from Sega and Netflix will provide confirmed release windows and additional cast and crew details.
The slate reportedly includes a new Sonic animated project, a live‑action Crazy Taxi feature, and a film based on Stranger Than Heaven, which Variety describes as an upcoming prequel game to the Like A Dragon (formerly Yakuza) series.
All three projects are reported to be in active development at Netflix.
The Crazy Taxi film is said to be scripted by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, and produced by Neal H.
Moritz, Toby Ascher and Sega producer Toru Nakahara.
Sega veteran Nakahara — who has production credits on previous Sonic live‑action adaptations — told reporters the team has distinct creative directions in mind for each title, describing Sonic as something that will skew both "cute and cool," Crazy Taxi as leaning into a "hilariously chaotic" tone, and Stranger Than Heaven as a "hard‑edged action drama." In journalistic terms, Nakahara said the projects will aim to fit different tonal identities — playful and stylish for Sonic, anarchic for Crazy Taxi, and gritty for Stranger Than Heaven — and that the production teams are energized about the slate.
Sega’s president and COO Shuji Utsumi also commented on the collaboration, stating that Sega values Netflix’s approach to storytelling and expects adaptations that respect each franchise’s fanbase.
Paraphrasing Utsumi’s remarks: Sega sees Netflix as a partner that applies careful craft to multiple formats, and the company is proud to work with a service committed to honoring the unique qualities of Sonic, Crazy Taxi and the Like A Dragon universe.
These announcements arrive against a backdrop of Sega’s long history across platforms.
Sonic the Hedgehog began in 1991 on Sega’s Genesis/Mega Drive and remains the company’s flagship IP across consoles and streaming media; Crazy Taxi debuted in arcades and on the Dreamcast in 1999 and has since seen multiple ports and mobile iterations; the Like A Dragon series (developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio) launched in 2005 on PlayStation 2 and has grown into a multi‑title franchise.
Sega has increasingly released modern titles on platforms such as Nintendo Switch and through digital storefronts like the eShop, reflecting a multi‑platform publishing strategy.
Variety is the primary source for the production credits and project descriptions.
Sega and Netflix have not announced release dates or full creative teams beyond the names reported.
As these adaptations progress, official updates from Sega and Netflix will provide confirmed release windows and additional cast and crew details.
