One has to wonder if DreamWorks is a bit hesitant regarding their upcoming car racing blockbuster after Universal dropped a wild trailer for the latest Fast & Furious yesterday, but as they say, some healthy competition never hurt anyone. An adaptation of the Electronic Arts video game Need for Speed has been building its cast for a production this year and now another major star has been added to the ensemble.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Keaton will be joining Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots, Scott Mescudi, Rami Malek and more in the upcoming project. The actor, who recently finished a stint in the Robocop reboot, will take on the role of leading an underground supercar race, where are characters will duke it out.
Scott Waugh (Act of Valor) is directing the ’70s-inspired film, which, as written by George Gatins (as well as co-conceived by Flight scribe John Gatins), follows Tobey Marshall (Paul), a slippery type, fresh out of jail, racing from New York to Los Angeles in hopes of catching his best friend’s killer. It’s hard to fault Keaton for what will seemingly be a fun role to take on, so let’s hope Waugh and Gatins can effectively create a fun, throwback vibe.
Need for Speed arrives on February 7th, 2014.