Need for Speeddidn’t exactly set the box office on fire last year, taking in just $43.5 million domestically. But if three Chinese studios have their way, they will start production on a sequel later this year. Video game publisher Electronic Arts is teaming with Chinese companies China Movie Channel Program Center, Jiaflix Enterprises and 1905 Pictures, the same three companies that co-producedTransformers: Age of Extinctionwith Paramount, to makeNeed for Speed 2. The follow-up will be shot in China and feature the nation’s actors taking on “significant roles,” according toVariety, although the sequel doesn’t have a writer or director locked in yet.
WhileNeed for Speedunderperformed domestically, it still pulled in $159.7 internationally, $65 million of which came from China alone. Overall,Need for Speedtook in $203.7 million worldwide from a $66 million production budget. Here’s what China Movie Channel ChairmanYin Caohad to say about the sequel in a statement.
“We are excited to work with EA, one of the world’s most recognized creative companies. We are also delighted that much of Need for Speed 2 would be filmed in China, and we believe it will include much more Chinese talent and elements.”
However, the partnership between these three companies and Electronic Arts cannot move forward until they can secure the rights from DreamWorks. A studio representative revealed that those talks have not yet begun. It’s possible that DreamWorks may move forward with this to start their own high-octane franchise, given the enormous success ofFurious 7both internationally and domestically over the weekend. It isn’t known if originalNeed for SpeedstarsAaron Paul,Dominic Cooper,Imogen Poots,Scott MescudiandDakota Johnsonare being eyed to return. What do you think about Need for Speed 2 being set up in China?
