Three Chinese Companies Pushing ‘Need For Speed’ Sequel Forward
Many people thoughtNeed For Speedwas one of the worst films of 2014. I wasnot one of those people. Sure the story was paper thin, as were the characters, but the passion it showed for its cars, practical stunts and intense action won me over. Though that formula stalled in the U.S., where the $70 million film only grossed $43.6 million, overseas it took in $160 million which likely put the film in the black.
Over a year has passed since the film’s release and there hasn’t been word one about a sequel. ThenFurious 7grossed nearly $400 million in its first weekend worldwide. Now three companies in China – where the film grossed $65 million - are teaming up to help co-finance aNeed for Speedsequel,Need for Speed 2.
The Wrapbroke the news of the unexpectedNeed for Speedsequel. China Movie Channel, Jiaflix and 1905 Pictures are teaming up with Electronic Arts – who owns the rights – to finance the sequel. No director, actors or writer are attached but they’re expected to make those deals in the coming weeks. The aim is to start filming, largely in China with a major focus on the country, by the end of the year. Here’s a quote from Yin Cao, the chairman of China Movie Channel:
I’d expect it’ll take a lot for Aaron Paul, Michael Keaton, Dominic Cooper and Imogen Poots to return to the film, but never say never. What I find most interesting about this news is it’s a very strong indicator of the way Hollywood works these days. Foreign investors, in a country where a US bomb soared, spearhead a sequel that US audience probably won’t care about. But it might do well in their country. In China, aNeed for Speedsequel is as sure a thing asFast 8. In the US, it’s nowhere near that.
If you want a peak into the mind of someone who actually enjoyed the first Need for Speed,read my review here. I stand by the fun, frivolous film and I’ll be the only person in the theater on opening night forNeed for Speed 2.
