Need for Speed Information

Need for Speed is an upcoming 2014 action film directed by Scott Waugh and written by Academy Award nominee John Gatins and George Nolfi. It is an adaptation of the popular series of video games by Electronic Arts. It stars Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul in the lead role and is scheduled for release on March 14, 2014.

Plot

After being released from prison, a street racer signs up for a cross-country race in revenge against his ex-partner, who places a bounty on his head.

Cast

• Aaron Paul as Tobey Marshall
• Imogen Poots
• Dominic Cooper as Dino
• Kid Cudi as Benny
• Rami Malek as Finn
• Michael Keaton
• Harrison Gilbertson
• Dakota Johnson

Development

EA had decided to work with DreamWorks Studios to create a film version of Need for Speed with a release date originally set for February 7, 2014 but has been switched to March 14, 2014. Brothers George (Real Steel) and John Gatins (Coach Carter) have written an original story for the film not based on any individual game. Scott Waugh (Act of Valor) is attached to direct the movie, with a target production start date of early 2013. Several other independent film studios were also after the rights. The movie is described as "a fast-paced, high-octane film rooted in the tradition of the awesome car culture films released in the 1970s while being extremely faithful to the spirit of the best selling video game franchise it's being based on". DreamWorks will release the film via Disney's Touchstone Pictures brand in North America, Latin America, Russia, Australia and Asia, while Mister Smith Entertainment will handle sales in the remaining territories.

Originally, reports mentioned that actor Taylor Kitsch was in the running to be cast in the film. The studio has declared that Aaron Paul is the chosen one to portray the main protagonist. Imogen Poots is cast as a savvy exotic car dealer who connects the wealthy with high-end supercars. Dominic Cooper is in talks to play Dino, an entrepreneur in the world of car upgrades. Kid Cudi, Ramón Rodríguez, Rami Malek and Harrison Gilbertson are cast in the film. Michael Keaton is cast as the reclusive and eccentric host of an underground supercar race where he invites the best drivers from around the world. Dakota Johnson has also joined the cast. Filming began in Macon, Georgia in mid-April. Other filming locations include Road Atlanta in Braselton, Georgia on May 12, 2013, the 13th Street Bridge in Columbus, Georgia and Campus Martius in Detroit, Michigan beginning on June 1, 2013.

Paul will portray Toby Marshall who is an extremely conceited, corrupt, arrogant, violent, anti-heroic driver who enjoys revenge fantasies. Marshall owns a garage which upgrades racecars. Framed for a federal crime he never committed, he escapes from prison exacting retaliation.

Production

Filming has commenced throughout Georgia and Alabama in Spring 2013. Filming then moved to Detroit, Michigan in June 2013.