Netflix and Sega Announce Live-Action ‘Crazy Taxi’ Movie From ‘The Naked Gun’ Writers

In recent years, video game adaptations have emerged as a reliable avenue for Hollywood, with studios tapping into beloved franchises to attract built-in audiences and nostalgic fans. Netflix is making significant strides in this realm, and its latest announcement indicates a deeper commitment to gaming intellectual properties than many anticipated.

This commitment is highlighted by a newly forged partnership with Sega, one of the industry’s most iconic publishers, known for its extensive library that includes both classic arcade games and modern action titles. This collaboration builds on Netflix’s previous success with adaptations of ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ properties, now venturing into new areas of Sega’s catalog.

At the heart of this expanded partnership is a live-action film adaptation of ‘Crazy Taxi,’ Sega’s beloved racing game that debuted in arcades in 1999. The game is celebrated for its chaotic, high-speed gameplay, allowing players to step into the shoes of a daring cab driver who navigates through traffic, leaps off ramps, and races against the clock to earn tips, all infused with a punk-rock vibe.

The screenplay for this adaptation will be crafted by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, the talented duo behind the critically acclaimed 2025 reboot of ‘The Naked Gun.’ The project will be produced by Neal H. Moritz and Toby Ascher of Original Film, along with Sega’s Toru Nakahara, the same team responsible for the successful ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ film franchise.

The ‘Crazy Taxi’ movie is just one of several projects emerging from this collaboration. Netflix and Sega have also unveiled plans for a new animated ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ series aimed at preschoolers, developed by Carlos Stevens and Nakahara, as well as a live-action film adaptation of ‘Stranger Than Heaven,’ an upcoming action-adventure game from RGG Studio set in early twentieth-century Japan, serving as a prequel to the ‘Like a Dragon’ franchise.

Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of Nonfiction and Transmedia, described the partnership as a chance to explore various eras of Sega’s history simultaneously. He emphasized that great games already possess the elements that adaptations strive for, such as beloved characters, familiar worlds, and dedicated fanbases, suggesting that working on ‘Crazy Taxi,’ ‘Sonic,’ and ‘Stranger Than Heaven’ allows Netflix to celebrate what long-time fans cherish while introducing these properties to new audiences.

This diverse approach reflects Netflix’s strategic vision, encompassing live-action comedy, children’s animation, and live-action crime storytelling within a single multi-title deal. For Sega, this timing aligns perfectly with the ongoing momentum of the franchise in gaming, as the next main installment, ‘Crazy Taxi: World Tour,’ is set to launch next year.

The choice of Gregor and Mand for the ‘Crazy Taxi’ script indicates that Netflix is embracing the game’s inherently comedic and over-the-top premise, rather than opting for a more conventional action treatment. Given the duo’s recent success in revitalizing a classic comedy franchise with ‘The Naked Gun,’ this approach could be precisely what is needed to bring the wild world of reckless taxi driving and outrageous stunts to life on screen.

With three distinct projects now in development that span various aspects of Sega’s history, this partnership marks one of Netflix’s most ambitious ventures into gaming adaptations. Fans of the frenetic arcade racer will need to stay tuned for updates on casting, plot details, and release dates, but the wheels are officially in motion for ‘Crazy Taxi’s’ live-action debut.

Sega executives have expressed excitement about the scope of this collaboration, highlighting Netflix’s reputation for treating adapted material with genuine care across different formats. This mutual confidence between the two companies suggests that the partnership is designed for longevity, rather than a one-time licensing deal, with potential for growth beyond these initial three announced projects.

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