Fans of the EA video game “Need for Speed” have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming movie adaptation of the game set to open in March, 2014. If a film about a fast car may seem to have limited appeal, consider this: The video game series has sold over 140 million copies, according to MLive.com.

Ford built a custom silver and blue Mustang just for the movie, which has been filmed tearing through the streets of Detroit. The custom Mustang features a supercharged V8 engine that requires oversized air intakes, 22-inch alloy wheels and an oversized frame. Expect the vehicle to burn through a few more Goodyear tires before these these epic chase scenes and stunt driving wrap up.

The Team

Game developer EA describes the film as an homage to the high-speed car flicks of the 1970s, while remaining faithful to the overall spirit of the “Need for Speed” game franchise. The movie will not be based on any one particular game but will remain true to the characters and plot of the games – in other words, expect a hero on the run from the law and a vendetta that needs settling.

Director Scott Waugh has worked with stunt crews for such classic car films as “Biker Boyz,” “Torque” and the remake of “The Italian Job,” notes GameSpot. Waugh’s most recent flick, “Act of Valor,” profiled Navy SEALS and even featured real life servicemen. His experience with both car movies and action-packed ‘bro’ films give him the chops to create a movie that is accurate and authentic to the real car racing culture. Film viewers will really feel like they are driving a car at 230 mph. John and George Gatins co-wrote the script, notes DigitalSpy.com.

The Plot

The film follows a former street car racer named Tobey Marshall, who was framed by a wealthy business partner and spent time in jail. Just released from prison, Tobey has revenge on his mind and signs up for a cross county car race to get one over on his ex-partner. The partner learns that Marshall is out and on the hunt and sets a bounty on Tobey’s head, with dramatic consequences for the race. Expect lots of fast-paced music, adrenaline-pumping action, burning rubber and dramatic accidents as the cross-country revenge plot unwinds. The film features locations in Georgia, Alabama, California and, of course the iconic car-culture hotspots of Detroit, Michigan and the Bonneville Salt Flats, in Utah, according to GameSpot.com.

The Talent

Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul takes on the lead role of Tobey Marshall in the film, no doubt lending some “street cred” to the cast. Dominic Cooper, who starred in “Captain America,” plays Tobey’s nemesis, Dino. Expect cameos from Michael Keaton, who plays an underground race host with a quirky personality. GameSpot.com also notes that Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi), Harrison Gilbertson and Imogen Poots will also play minor roles. Viewers will also have eye some candy in the form of attractive female leads Carmela Zumbado (cast at Jeny B.) and Beth Waugh (cast as investor’s wife).

While the movie was initially fast-tracked at DreamWorks, it has suffered some production delays that pushed back the original February release date. Hopefully, the mid-March release will be able to take place as planned, leaving speed freaks and gaming geeks with a new instant classic.

Creative Commons image by gdcgraphics