Sega Greenlights Shinobi Movie

Most are well aware of a Sonic movie in the pipeline. But it appears Sega is spreading its wings into film even wider and tapping into more of its classic IP–this time the Shinobi franchise.

In collaboration with Sega-owned Stories International, the company has greenlighted a Shinobi movie with Marc Platt producing. According to Polygon, Platt hopes “to make a film that honors the essence of the games and brings this fascinating world to life for moviegoing audiences.”

Platt’s film credits according to IMDb include Legally Blonde, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Drive and Winter’s Tale. Platt is also involved in upcoming film adaptations of Wicked and an upcoming reboot of Mary Poppins.

For Sega, the Shinobi franchise has been dormant for five years, with the latest game release on 3DS. If the jump to film is successful, it could kickstart Stories International as a vehicle to produce other Sega fare–its intended purpose when established in 2011. The success of the upcoming Sonic film could also serve as a bellwether to gauge Shinobi‘s potential.