In a move that expands Sega’s presence on the big screen beyond Sonic the Hedgehog, Universal Pictures is bringing the iconic video game Shinobi to life as a live-action feature film.
Sam Hargrave, best known for his work on Netflix’s Extraction franchise, will take the helm as director, with Ken Kobayashi (Marvel’s Hit-Monkey) penning the screenplay adaptation of the 1987 arcade classic.
The Shinobi video games follow the story of Joe Musashi, a modern-day ninja who battles evil forces. The movie will be able to draw on the game’s rich history that began in arcades and spanned 14 titles. The franchise has sold over 5 million copies globally, cementing its place as a fan favorite. A new game in the Shinobi series was recently revealed in 2023, further reigniting interest in the ninja saga.
The film will be produced by Marc Platt and Adam Siegel through Marc Platt Productions, alongside Dmitri M. Johnson through Story Kitchen, and Toru Nakahara representing SEGA. Mike Goldberg and Timothy I. Stevenson will also be on board as executive producers.
The project follows Universal’s recent success with video game adaptations like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Five Nights at Freddy’s, which grossed $1.4 billion and $290 million worldwide, respectively.
Hargrave’s action-packed direction in the Extraction films has proven his ability to deliver high-octane visuals. His track record with Extraction—Netflix’s most-watched original film with over 99 million views in the first four weeks—positions him as a fitting choice to bring Shinobi’s fast-paced ninja combat to the screen. Hargrave is also attached to upcoming projects Matchbox for Mattel Films and Skydance, and Kill Them All for Paramount Pictures.
Ken Kobayashi, known for his work on Sunny and Marvel’s Hit Monkey, brings his writing expertise to adapt the Shinobi narrative. His previous work has resonated with audiences across platforms, and his screenplay Move On, which topped the 2019 Black List, is currently in development at Columbia Pictures.
Source: Deadline
