Streets of Rage movie gains momentum as Sonic the Hedgehog writers and The Harder They Fall director board the adaptation

Though you may have forgotten about it, a Streets of Rage movie has been in the works since 2022. Originally, Hollywood's current go-to action screenwriter Derek Kolstad (of John Wick fame) was attached. Now, the slow-moving project has evolved and recruited two new writers, plus a director.

Via Deadline, we've learned the live-action movie project is "alive and well at Lionsgate" with Sonic the Hedgehog writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller, who have been attached to all four movies (there's another one coming next year) based on Sega's mascot so far. Considering Sega is behind both franchises, the creative choice feels logical.

But I think the news on who's going to be behind the camera is more exciting: The Harder They Fall filmmaker Jeymes Samuel has boarded the project. Since a heavy rewrite is now expected, it'll be a while before we even get a tentative release window.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but Streets of Rage's big-screen debut was described in past press releases as "leaning heavily into the cult classic game known for its iconic characters, acclaimed electronic soundtracks and beat 'em up action". Lionsgate has, however, shared some words about Samuel's hiring: "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," said Lionsgate film chief Erin Westerman.

Back in 2020, Dotemu, Guard Crush, and Lizardcube's Streets of Rage 4 greatly reinvigorated the beat 'em up series, and Streets of Rage: Revolution is currently in development. Eurogamer's five-star review of Streets of Rage 4 called it "a sequel that manages to best its forebears".