Actor Taylor Kitsch reportedly is in talks for the lead role of the new “Need for Speed” film based on the game franchise and set for release early 2014.
Have you heard the news? Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks has partnered with Electronic Arts to produce a film based on the Need for Speed video game franchise. We here at E3 Spark Plugs have already marked our calendars for the February 7, 2014 release.
The franchise’s original game, The Need for Speed, hit gaming store shelves in 1994, giving gamers a glimpse of life behind the street racing wheel. EA teamed up with Road & Track magazine to create amazingly realistic features based on precise vehicle data. For instance, sound was developed to accurately mimic sounds made by particular vehicles’ gear control levers. The game featured nine primary cars: a black Lamborghini Diablo, a red Ferrari 512TR, a royal blue Dodge Viper RT/10, a dark green Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, a dark blue Porsche 911 Carrera, a red Toyota Supra Turbo, a silver Acura NSX, and a yellow Mazda RX-7. Gamers who lucked up on a special game code and entered it correctly got access to a tenth, secret car dubbed the “Warrior.”
That first edition led to the releases of a full three generations of the game. Popularity declined over the past few years, but company officials continue plans for future game releases. And they’re banking on the upcoming film to help rev up interest.
Brothers George Gatins (Real Steel) and John Gatins (Coach Carter) penned an original story for the film, which is based on the full franchise rather than any particular individual game. Scott Waugh (Act of Valor) will direct. And rumor has it that producers are in talks with actor Taylor Kitsch, (John Carter, Battleship, Savages) to play the lead role.
So what do you think? Will you see Need for Speed? And do you think it will help revive the game franchise? Post your thoughts on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook fan page.
