Full Breakdown
Lionsgate Announces Jeymes Samuel to Direct Streets of Rage Film
6/2/2026, 11:15:44 PM
Production Overview
Lionsgate has appointed Jeymes Samuel—director of *The Harder They Fall* and *The Book of Clarence*—to direct its first *Streets of Rage* film. Pat Casey and Josh Miller, writers of the *Sonic the Hedgehog* movies, will pen the script. Production is led by Derek Kolstad, Toru Nakahara, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Tony Shaw, with Elena Sandoval as executive producer.
Franchise Background
*Streets of Rage* launched in 1991 as a Sega side-scrolling beat-’em-up starring Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding and Adam Hunter battling crime lord Mr. X in Wood Oak City. Its electronic scores by Yuzo Koshiro and Motohiro Kawashima are iconic. The 2020 sequel, *Streets of Rage 4*, sold over 2.5 million copies, reaching the top 20 in U.S. download charts and top 15 in U.K. sales.
Key Figures
Director Jeymes Samuel is known for *The Harder They Fall* and *The Book of Clarence*. Writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller have scripted the *Sonic the Hedgehog* movies, which together grossed over $1 billion. Derek Kolstad, creator of *John Wick*, serves as producer. Erin Westerman heads Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Official Statements & Outlook
Erin Westerman said Lionsgate and SEGA needed a bold filmmaker, praising Samuel’s “visceral and explosive” style and musical sensibility, and expressed excitement for his take on the IP. Derek Kolstad, in March 2026, described the earlier version of the project as “actively inactive.” Both companies view the film as a follow-up to the successful *Sonic the Hedgehog* adaptations.
Data & Statistics
*Streets of Rage 4* sold over 2.5 million copies. The *Sonic the Hedgehog* movies, written by Casey and Miller, have generated more than $1 billion globally, as have their broader filmographies.
Why It Matters
The adaptation expands SEGA’s strategy of turning legacy games into mainstream cinema, leveraging Samuel’s musical background to echo the series’ celebrated soundtracks and aiming to attract both fans and new audiences.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Kolstad’s 2026 comment called the earlier effort “actively inactive,” contrasting with the 2022 announcement of active development; no release date or budget disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We and our partners at SEGA knew that Streets of Rage demanded a bold filmmaker. 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.” — Erin Westerman, President, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group
- “actively inactive.” — Derek Kolstad, screenwriter (as stated at SXSW, March 2026)
What’s Next
Casey and Miller are finalizing the script, with casting slated for later in 2026. Lionsgate and SEGA will announce further milestones as production proceeds.
