Dominic Cooper joining Need For Speed

Videogame adaptation Need For Speed has added a big name to its burgeoning ensemble, with Dominic Cooper signing on for some handbreak turns and engine-revving action.

With the game itself never being based around any storyline to speak of, it always seemed an odd property to adapt for the big screen, but screenwriters George and John Gatins have apparently got a script in place, with the first few details emerging online.

Aaron Paul will take the film’s leading role as a garage worker whose speciality is souping up racing cars with various hi-octane modifications. All is well until a friend of his is murdered and he finds himself tossed in prison. Happily, he’s out again soon enough and looking for revenge.

Cooper will play another car nut, an ex-NASCAR driver who makes a nice living doing up fancy motors for the super-rich. Meanwhile, Imogen Poots will also appear as an exotic car dealer who works with both men.

That’s about as far as it goes in terms of plot details, but it sounds as though there’s germ of an entertaining little B-movie in there somewhere. Directed by Scott Waugh, Need For Speed will open in the US on 7 February 2014.

George Wales

George was once GamesRadar's resident movie news person, based out of London. He understands that all men must die, but he'd rather not think about it. But now he's working at Stylist Magazine.