Reviving an Abandoned Legacy: Shinobi’s Rise from Rags to Riches on the Silver Screen

Shinobi Movie in the Works: Sega Reveals New Footage

Get ready to relive the nostalgia of the classic side-scrolling arcade game! According to Deadline, a Shinobi movie is underway, with Sam Hargrave set to direct. But, what’s the scoop on this reboot?

From the Original to the Big Screen

In 1987, the side-scrolling arcade game Shinobi debuted, and its success led to several sequels on the Mega Drive/Genesis. However, after a few below-par PlayStation 2 entries and a 3DS game in 2011, the series went dormant. The good news is that Sega is reviving Shinobi with a new, traditional action-packed side-scroller inspired by the original’s art style.

A New Storyline Takes Shape

Loosely based on the original arcade game’s plot, the movie follows Joe Musashi, a ninja fighting the Zeed terrorist group, which has kidnapped all his students. While there’s plenty to fill in, writer Ken Kobayashi is on board to shape the narrative. Kobayashi has a strong background in TV, with credits like Hit-Monkey and Moonfall, as well as an upcoming screenplay titled Move On.

A Star-Studded Cast and Crew

Hargrave, known for directing the Netflix Extraction movies, will helm Shinobi. His experience in action-packed thrillers, such as his work on the two Extraction films, makes him a great fit for a katana-wielding ninja movie. Additional producers include Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Dmitri M. Johnson, and industry veterans like Mike Goldberg, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Sega’s Toru Nakahara.

Videogame Movies: The New Hollywood Frenzy

With the success of Sonic the Hedgehog and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, it’s no surprise that videogame adaptations are trending. These films have finally managed to produce some decent entries, ensuring Hollywood sees the potential for more. Who knows which side of the fence Shinobi will land on? Let’s hope they include the dog from Shadow Dancer in the movie!