Netflix Teams with Sega to Drop a Crazy Taxi Film—What’s the Twist?

Netflix has announced a new slate of projects in partnership with video‑game maker Sega, including film adaptations of the arcade classic Crazy Taxi and the historical drama Stranger Than Heaven, as well as a brand‑new Sonic animated series for preschoolers.

The announcement was made during a livestream event in Los Angeles. The trio of projects signals Netflix’s continued push into game‑based storytelling across a range of genres and target audiences.

The Crazy Taxi film is being written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, who also penned the 2025 reboot of The Naked Gun. Set in a frenetic, music‑driven city, the original 1999 arcade game follows a cab driver racing against time while leaping off ramps and dodging traffic to earn tips. The project is produced by Neal H.

Moritz and Toby Ascher from Original Film, with Sega’s Toru Nakahara attached, and the next installment in the franchise, Crazy Taxi: World Tour, is slated for release next year.

Sega’s Sonic franchise is getting a new children’s series that Netflix says targets “an upper pre‑school audience.” Carlos Stevens and Toru Nakahara are developing the animated show, which is described as “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.” Stranger Than Heaven, meanwhile, is a live‑action drama produced by Nakahara and created by RGG Studio.

The story follows a foreigner in early 20th‑century Japan who rises from destitution to yakuza notoriety and ultimately becomes an entertainment tycoon.

## Background & Context

The partnership is built on a foundation of prior collaboration. Sega’s Sonic IP had already been adapted by Netflix for the live‑action series Sonic Prime, which aired for three seasons.

Beyond Sonic, Sega’s catalog includes the Like a Dragon and Yakuza franchises, which inspired the recent RGG Studio project Stranger Than Heaven.

Netflix has also invested heavily in video‑game adaptations across several formats, from live‑action Assassin’s Creed and Gears of War to animated series for Minecraft, Magic: The Gathering and Clash of Clans.

## What People Are Saying

Nakahara, Sega’s Head Producer, said the slate would bring varied tones to each title. “Expect something cute yet cool for Sonic, hilariously crazy for Crazy Taxi, and a badass action drama for STRANGER THAN HEAVEN,” he added, noting that the team was “just getting started” and that “the whole team is absolutely thrilled!”

Netflix’s Brandon Riegg, VP of Nonfiction and Transmedia, noted that “Great games already have what every adaptation is chasing — characters people love, worlds they know by heart, and fandoms that show up.” He added that the three projects allow Netflix to work across “three completely different eras of Sega’s catalog, celebrating everything fans love while introducing them to new audiences.” Sega’s President and COO Shuji Utsumi said the studio is proud of Netflix’s dedication: “We’ve watched Netflix take on stories across every kind of format and treat each one with real craft…

The fandoms of these games deserve storytelling that honors what makes each title special, and we know Netflix shares that commitment. This is just the start of what these titles can become.”

## What Happens Next

Production on the Crazy Taxi feature is underway, with the team already scouting locations that mirror the game’s frenetic streets, while a release date for the film remains unannounced. The project’s momentum is bolstered by the upcoming launch of Crazy Taxi: World Tour next year.

In addition, Netflix’s broader gaming portfolio continues to grow, with live‑action Assassin’s Creed and Gears of War in development and animated adaptations of Minecraft, Magic: The Gathering and Clash of Clans; fans of Stranger Than Heaven can expect a live‑action debut from Nakahara’s production company, though specific dates remain unconfirmed.

The release dates for the films and series remain to be announced, but production is already underway.