Having just secured a fresh line of financing from moneybags backers Reliance, DreamWorks is now off to the film rights sweetshop to pick up some new projects. The first rainbow coloured treat that has caught the company’s eye isa movie based on Electronic Arts’ racing game series Need For Speed.
Real Steel writer John Gatins has been involved with the project from the start, developing a script with brother George. The **Speed **console franchise is up to 18 entries now, with EA still planning to release one game a year.
The titles haven’t traditionally had much in the way of narrative besides winning races, upgrading cars, steering clear of the cops etc. But the latest, The Run, has added some more story elements, with actors Sean Faris and Christina Hendricks voicing characters in a race from San Francisco to New York that also involves crime, cops and – for the first time in the games’ history – a proper way to move on foot. Perhaps the plot of any eventual movie will draw from the same story.
The plot element is not the only cinematic connection, as Michael Bay directed an ad for the game last year. Bet DreamWorks would love to get him on board for any movie, though he'll probably be burnt out on cars for a while after the next Transformers film.
DreamWorks is said to be in advanced talks for the film, which Steven Spielberg and co are no doubt hoping will spawn a Fast & Furious-sized franchise.