It was recently announced that NEED FOR SPEED would be one of the first of the current crop of in-development video game-based projects to be fast tracked to the silver screen, with Aaron Paul (of “Breaking Bad” fame) taking on the lead role. Problem with those of news releases is that they tell us just about nothing regarding the rest of the information about the project – thankfully the possible casting of Dominic Cooper has also led to the reveal of certain plot elements that should sound all too familiar to anyone familiar with the ganre.
While not based on any particular game’s plotline, the movie adaptation is set to be directed by Scott Waugh (ACT OF VALOR) and “will be a fast-paced, high-octane film rooted in the tradition of the great car culture films of the ’70s while being extremely faithful to the spirit of the video game franchise.” A spirit which, if I recall my time playing the games, is… driving fast in urban environments. Today’s report introduces a bit of human context to “driving fast” with the information that Paul will “play a racer who also owns a garage that upgrades racecars. He winds up getting framed for a crime he didn’t commit and returns from prison seeking revenge.” And along with that, Dominic Cooper would potentially play the part of “Dino, an entrepreneur in the world of car upgrades.” First ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER, and now this? Good times, Mr. Cooper. Good times. At least you’ll be joined by Imogen Poots as an exotic car dealer.
Shooting is already planned to start early in 2013 with an eye towards releasing February 7th, 2014. The latest entry in the franchise, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, was just released on October 30th.
I found this when I searched “Need for Speed wallpaper” on Google – also good times.