EA is hoping to make a Need for Speed movie sequel
Has already signed on with Chinese production companies.
The Need for Speed movie could be getting a sequel, if EA has its way.
As reported by Variety, EA has joined forces with a trio of Chinese production companies who worked with Paramount on Transformers: Age of Extinction. More specifically, these companies are China Movie Channel Program Center, Jiaflix Enterprises and 1905 Pictures.
However, production on the film cannot proceed until the rights to a sequel are negotiated with DreamWorks, who produced the first film. These negotiations have yet to begin.
The Need for Speed movie was generally poorly received by critics, such as our own Oli Welsh, but it managed to rake in a fair bit of cash. Budgeted at around $66m, the Aaron Paul-starring vehicle went on to gross $203m. Apparently $65m of that came from China alone. No wonder Chinese production companies are eager to bag the rights to a sequel.
The video game series has grossed more than $4b in retail sales over the past 20 years. Last year was the first time since 2001 that there wasn't a new Need for Speed game. But this year will see the series' return. Quality over quantity and all that, which most will reckon is a good thing seeing as how 2013's Need for Speed: Rivals was one of the PS4 and Xbox One's best launch titles and a return to form for the series.
Variety noted that if the negotiations all work out, production could start on a new film as early as the end of this year. Clearly, EA's trying to get in on this Fast and Furious craze that everyone's all up ons about right now.
Would you like to see a new Need for Speed film? Personally, I'd much rather see a movie based on Stick Shift.