Sega's ongoing effort to revive Crazy Taxi now appears to be taking the form of… a movie?

Sega’s attempt to revive the Crazy Taxi franchise has taken an unexpected turn with a planned Netflix comedy movie adaptation. The project follows the series’ signature high-speed taxi gameplay, where drivers rush passengers to destinations in under 30 seconds. Netflix previously optioned multiple Sega properties, including Crazy Taxi, for adaptation, signaling confidence in the franchise’s chaotic charm. The film will be written by Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, known for the Naked Gun reboot, aiming to translate the game’s zaniness to the screen.

Original Films and Toru Nakahara, producers behind the Sonic the Hedgehog movies and Sonic Prime series, will lead production. A joint statement from Neal H. Moritz and Toby Ascher of Original Films expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Sega and Netflix. The producers framed the project as a tribute to fans who remember the Dreamcast era’s yellow cabs and energetic soundtracks. The film’s premise hinges on expanding the game’s minimalist narrative into a full-length feature.

The announcement coincides with other Sega-Netflix projects, including an animated Sonic television series and a movie adaptation of Stranger Than Heaven, a yet-to-be-released game. The slate reflects Netflix’s strategy of adapting both established and upcoming Sega properties. Industry observers note a recent trend of successful video game adaptations, though concerns linger about Netflix’s tendency to prioritize streaming over cinematic quality.

The writer, Mollie Taylor, questions whether the game’s repetitive premise—picking up and dropping off passengers quickly—can sustain a 90-minute film. Despite skepticism, the team behind the project remains optimistic about capturing the spirit of the original arcade experience. The film’s success may hinge on balancing the game’s frenetic energy with compelling storytelling.