While Need For Speed didn’t exactly capture the heart of critics its $200 million plus box office takings means that EA are looking to make a Need For Speed 2.
Based on the video game Need For Speed starred Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul as a racing driver looking to take revenge against the man who he feels was responsible for his brother’s death by, well, beating him in a race of course. While we felt the film was not a patch on the Fast & Furious franchise a cross-over between the two franchises would work mainly thanks to Paul’s brooding leading man.
EA has other ideas though and has a number of Chinese investors looking to bring more Need For Speed films to the big screen. There’s no word yet if any of the original cast would return for another outing or if this would simply use the Need For Speed brand to launch a new film. Anxious to cash in on that Chinese money much of the film is already being ear-marked to shoot in China with many of the main characters being Chinese. Yin Cao, chairman of China Movie Channel said “We are also delighted that much of Need For Speed 2 would be filmed in China, and we believe it will include much more Chinese talent and elements.” We’re hoping for a race or jump over The Great Wall Of China please.
There is the small matter of DreamWorks still holding the option on the Need For Speed filmic brand but presumably EA will look to either involve them or broker a deal to buy the option back.
So the burning question is; do you feel the need, the Need For Speed 2? Source – Variety