Streets Of Rage Movie Greenlit At Lionsgate, Sonic The Hedgehog Writers Attached

The current Hollywood machine has been regularly pumping out video game movies for the past half decade at least. And franchises that were the epicenter for ‘bad video game adaptations’ are now the pinnacle for the new demand at the box office. 2021’s Mortal Kombat was the most watched release on HBO Max that year. So it made sense that a sequel would be greenlit which hit theaters earlier this spring.

Additionally, that is not the only fighting game adaptation on the way. Back in 2023, Legendary Entertainment confirmed that a Street Fighter movie is also on the way. Featuring a star-studded cast, it shows to be an amalgamation that could be incredible or similar to the outcome of the Borderlands movie. The picture is to hit theaters on October 16th later this fall. 

In June, it was reported by Variety that another arcade fighting game is also on the way in Hollywood. At Lionsgate, a Streets of Rage movie is now underway. The latest video game adaptation will include Sonic the Hedgehog writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller. The production moves forward with the Sonic duo after John Wick writer Derek Kolstad exited the writers room after penning an earlier draft.

Other additions to work behind the camera on the Streets of Rage movie is Jeymes Samuel (The Book of Clarence, The Harder They Fall) to direct. “We and our partners at Sega knew that ‘Streets of Rage’ demanded a bold filmmaker,” Lionsgate film chief Erin Westerman shared in a statement. “Jeymes Samuel’s visceral and explosive style — not to mention his signature use of unforgettable music — is perfect for audiences both familiar with and new to the series. We are so excited for how he will bring his own memorable take to this beloved video game IP.”

It is no secret the immense popularity of video game adaptations in recent years. In fact, some within Hollywood are also convinced it is the new trend that could displace comic books altogether. The Batman writer Mattson Tomlin shared that he’s been offered five times the work for video games over comic book adaptations. You can read the full report by heading here.

What are you most excited for Streets of Rage on the silver screen?

Source: Variety