Dreamworks has just announced that they've acquired the film rights to EA's racing franchise Need for Speed. Not only that, but the studio is "fast tracking" the movie for release in 2014.
The movie adaptation will be helmed by Scott Waugh (Act of Valor) and is expected to start production early next year. In rather good news, the movie won't be based on any particular game. Instead, it's being written by brothers George and John Gatins (Real Steel) with an all-new story.
Need for Speed the movie is being described as a "fast-paced, high-octane film rooted in the tradition of the great car culture of the 70s while being extremey faithful to the spirit of the videogame franchise."
Steven Spielberg, acclaimed director and chairman for Dreamworks, had this to say.
I'm excited about getting back into the creative trenches with John and George Gatins and my partners at EA to bring to life an exhilarating script based on an epic video game that seems to have been made for the movies.
This is a big piece of business for DreamWorks and we are grateful to Frank Gibeau, Pat O'Brien, Kevin Maher and John and George for choosing us to deliver their goods.
Of course, you can't have an official announcement without EA returning the favor. This time it's EA Labels boss Frank Gibeau who states, "We are thrilled to be in business with our friends Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider and the entire DreamWorks team. They are the perfect partner to take Need for Speed to the big screen by creating the exciting action film that we have always envisioned."
The next entry in the franchise — Need for Speed: Most Wanted — is scheduled for release on October 30 for the PC, Xbox 360, PS3 and PS Vita.
Do you see this being another videogame movie flop or can they just copy The Fast and the Furious' formula and be able to please fans? And more importantly, will you even buy a ticket to watch this?
Source: DigitalSpy
