In just a few days we will (hopefully) learn the ultimate fate of Jesse Pinkman as the final episode of Breaking Bad airs, but no matter happens, Aaron Paul will live on. Following the conclusion of his hit AMC show, the actor has jumped directly into Hollywood’s spotlight with his first major big-budget lead role, leading an adaptation of the long-running videogame series Need For Speed.
Helmed by Act of Valor co-director Scott Waugh, the first trailer has now landed, which takes itself fairly serious considering the source material. Regardless, it’s nice to see Paul as the center of attention, so hopefully this one is a spring surprise. Check out the trailer below for the film also starring Michael Keaton, Imogen Poots, Dominic Cooper, Dakota Johnson, Rami Malek, Ramon Rodriguez, Kid Cudi, Han Soto and Harrison Gilbertson. [iTunes]
The story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country race against time—one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption. In a last attempt to save his struggling garage, blue-collar mechanic Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul)—who with his team skillfully builds and races muscle cars on the side—reluctantly partners with wealthy, arrogant ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). Just as a major sale to car broker Julia Bonet (Imogen Poots) looks like it will save the business, a disastrous, unsanctioned race results in Dino framing Tobey for manslaughter.
Two years later and fresh out of prison, Tobey is set on revenge with plans to take down Dino in the high-stakes De Leon race—the Super Bowl of underground racing. To get there in time, Tobey must run a high-octane, action-packed gauntlet, dodging cops coast-to-coast and dealing with fallout from a dangerous bounty Dino put on his car. With his loyal crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia as allies, Tobey defies odds at every turn and proves that even in the flashy world of exotic supercars, the underdog can still finish first.
Need For Speed opens on March 14th, 2014.