Watch out ‘Fast and Furious’… ‘Need for Speed’ is coming to the big screen

Electronic Arts popular racing series, Need for Speed, is coming to theaters in a film adaptation in 2014. Dreamworks announced that they already cast two-time Emmy winner Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) to be the lead in its upcoming feature. Scott Waugh — who helmed the Navy SEAL action flick Act of Valor — is set to direct.

Dreamworks acquired the feature film rights to Need for Speed earlier this year. The screenplay, developed by George and John Gatins, is based on the Need for Speed series, but not an individual game. Patrick Soderlund, Executive Vice President of Electronic Arts, said:

Need for Speed is one of the most action-packed entertainment experiences you can find. The newest game, Need for Speed Most Wanted and the upcoming film take the ation to all new heights. Like the game series itself, the cast for the movie needs to be edgy and cool. Aaron Paul is a rising star — a great choice for the film lead. We're looking forward to announcing the est of the actors that will bring this racing franchise to the big screen.

Aaron Paul is a fantastic actor, and I'm really eager to see him lead this film. He's been in Last House on the Left and Mission Impossible III, but this film will be far more demanding in action sequences.

The press released described the film adaptation as a "fast-paced, high-octane film rooted in the tradition of the great car culture films of the 70s while being extremely faithful to the spirit of the video game franchise." I'm hoping that it doesn't have a ton of imported 'ricers' with decals and huge spoilers, instead focusing on more muscle cars with raw power.

Do you like what you're hearing so far from EA and Dreamworks? Sound off in the comments below.

You can follow Movies and Culture Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ. He likes talking sports, video games, and the stupidity of celebrities. Email at LLiebl@GameZone.com