Streets of Rage movie gains momentum as Sonic the Hedgehog writers and The Harder They Fall director board the adaptation
The Streets of Rage live-action film adaptation has gained new momentum at Lionsgate with significant creative changes announced. In development since 2022, the project originally featured screenwriter Derek Kolstad (known for the John Wick franchise), but has now transitioned to new writers and a confirmed director.
Pat Casey and Josh Miller, best known for writing all four Sonic the Hedgehog films, have taken over as the new screenwriters for Streets of Rage. Their involvement represents a strategic decision by the studio, as Sega owns both the Streets of Rage and Sonic franchises. Casey and Miller’s established working relationship with Sega’s IP and proven track record with successful video game adaptations makes them well-suited for the project.
The adaptation has also secured Jaymes Samuel as its director. Samuel brings notable credentials to the role as a BAFTA award-winning filmmaker, with previous work including The Harder They Fall.
The live-action Streets of Rage film remains active at Lionsgate, with the studio demonstrating continued commitment to the project. The combination of writers and director with experience in video game adaptations suggests a thoughtful approach to bringing the classic beat ’em up franchise to the screen.