'Need for Speed 2' News: Dreamworks to Partner With Chinese Companies for Sequel?
Despite its average performance in the U.S. box office when the first film "Need for Speed" came out last year, the movie is still being considered for a sequel.
According to a report in Cinema Blend, this may very well happen if Dreamworks Studios, the rights owner of "Need for Speed," will strike a deal with three Chinese companies Jiaflix, China Movie Program Channel and 1905 Pictures to make "Need for Speed 2." These are the same companies who helped Paramount Pictures sell "Transformers: Age of Extinction" in China, amounting to $330 million in gross sales.
The 2014 film only earned $43.5 million in the U.S., but its foreign sales were a bit different. It earned $159 million overseas, including a whopping $66 million in China alone. According to the report, this is the main driving force why these Chinese companies are wanting to buy into the franchise.
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Talks between Dreamworks and the Chinese companies have yet to start however, as Dreamworks is reportedly waiting for a detailed proposal from the group.
According to a report in Variety, the joint venture arrangement between the Chinese group and Electronic Arts, the developer of the popular video game franchise is merely a first step. However, some details of the arrangement have been revealed. The film will likely be filmed entirely in China and will feature local Chinese actors.
"We are excited to work with EA, one of the world's most recognized creative companies," China Movie Channel Chairman Yin Cao said. "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."
A creative team for the film has not been announced yet. This is all dependent on whether a deal will materialize between Dreamworks and the Chinese group. If it does, production is being eyed to start later this year.
