Sega is dusting off another one of its classic franchises for a film adaptation. The publisher has announced that it’s teaming up with Universal for a Shinobi movie, directed by Sam Hargrave (Extraction). It’s good to see Joe Musashi so eager to step out of the shadows once again.
Deadline shared the news, but the details so far are a bit sparse. Shinobi‘s screenplay is being penned by Ken Kobayashi (Hit-Monkey, Sunny). Marc Platt and Adam Siegel (of Marc Platt Productions), Dmitri M. Johnson (Story Kitchen), and Toru Nakahara (Sega, producer for both Sonic the Hedgehog movies and Sonic Prime) are signed on as producers.
Deadline writes that the film adapts the arcade versions of the game. The film should star Joe Musashi, not Hotsuma of 2002’s Shinobi on PlayStation 2. These are important details, folks. Musashi was a protagonist in many of the earlier games, though the mantle has been passed around.
Universal is likely eager to expand its video game adaptation portfolio. The studio released The Super Marion Bros. Movie in 2023 to universal appeal. Hopefully, Shinobi will fare better than the overall dud that is the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie, which Universal also released in 2023.
Joe Musashi gets ready to ride again in the Shinobi movie and new game
Sega has seen some success with films based on its iconic IP. Both Sonic the Hedgehog films have received praise from fans and critics. A third movie will debut on December 20, 2024, featuring Shadow the Hedgehog voiced by Keanu Reeves.
Due to the popularity of the Sonic movies, Sega has expressed interest in adapting more of its franchises. Shinobi, which stars a mystical ninja warrior who wields shuriken and ninjitsu, is a solid pick. The company is also dipping its toes into television. Like a Dragon: Yakuza is set to release on Amazon later this month. Earlier in the year, Sega surprised many by revealing a Golden Axe comedy series for Comedy Central. Not much has been revealed on the latter since. That may be a good thing.
Sega also announced a new Shinobi video game last year. We don’t know much about the game beyond its brief teaser, but it’s looking like a stylish 2D action game that evokes the spirit of its predecessors. It was announced alongside other new games coming from the Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio, and Crazy Taxi franchises.
