An update long overdue, the upcoming Streets of Rage movie has found a director and its next writing team: Pat Casey and Josh Miller—known for the Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy—will pen the script, with Jeymes Samuel (The Harder They Fall) set to direct.
For a project that has sat quietly for years. the Streets of Rage movie just moved in a way fans can feel. Lionsgate is now putting names to the next phase: Jeymes Samuel has been brought on to direct. and Pat Casey and Josh Miller—who wrote the Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy—are tapped to write the script.
That pairing is likely to land well with gamers. Casey and Miller are the same duo credited with turning Sega’s world into a set of big-screen adventures, and their involvement signals that the studio is aiming to capture the energy that made the games stick with players.
The movie didn’t start with them. Derek Kolstad—who created the John Wick franchise—wrote an initial draft but has since exited the film. With Casey and Miller now assigned to the script, this is a clean break from where the writing stage previously landed.
Samuel’s attachment brings its own kind of momentum. He previously directed the positively-reviewed western The Harder They Fall, and he also works in music under the name The Bullitts. His profile even reaches into pop culture beyond film—his older brother is Seal.
Plot details remain under wraps. Lionsgate, however, has already described the direction of the adaptation. The studio promises it will lean “heavily into the cult classic game known for its iconic characters, acclaimed electronic soundtracks and beat ’em up action.”
At the moment, there’s no cast announced, so the faces behind Streets of Rage’s iconic characters are still a mystery. But with a director and a writing team in place, the project is finally stepping out of waiting mode—and back into the kind of momentum fans have been waiting to see.
Streets of Rage movie Pat Casey Josh Miller Jeymes Samuel Lionsgate Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy Derek Kolstad The Harder They Fall The Bullitts beat 'em up action electronic soundtracks
So they’re just copying Sonic now? Same writers and everything, like come on. Streets of Rage deserves its own vibe.
I can’t believe it took them forever but ok. The director is from that western movie right? I’m guessing it’s gonna be more gritty and less like the game but we’ll see.
Wait, I thought Derek Kolstad still had to write it? Like John Wick guy wrote draft then left, but now it’s Sonic writers?? That seems like a downgrade to me honestly. Streets of Rage characters better be exact or I’m gonna be mad.
No cast yet so I’m not hype yet. But “heavily into the cult classic” and that electronic soundtrack… if they mess up the music I’m out. Also why does his brother being Seal matter lol.