Lionsgate Appoints Jeymes Samuel to Direct Streets of Rage

A long-gestating film adaptation of the classic Sega video game series "Streets of Rage" is moving forward with a new director and screenwriting team. Lionsgate has officially hired filmmaker Jeymes Samuel to direct the project, with Pat Casey and Josh Miller, the writers behind the "Sonic the Hedgehog" film trilogy, set to pen the screenplay.

The project, first announced in 2022, will be produced in partnership with Sega. The studio has described the film as leaning heavily into the cult classic game known for its iconic characters, acclaimed electronic soundtracks, and beat-em-up action. Specific plot details remain under wraps.

In a statement, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president Erin Westerman said the studio and Sega sought a bold filmmaker for the adaptation. She highlighted Samuel's visceral and explosive style and his signature use of music as being well-suited for the property, aiming to appeal to both existing fans and new audiences.

Samuel is known for directing the award-winning western "The Harder They Fall" and the biblical comedy "The Book of Clarence." Casey and Miller, beyond their work on the successful "Sonic" films, also wrote the action film "Violent Night."