A sequel to the 2014 action thriller Need for Speed is being developed.
A joint venture between China Movie Channel, Jiaflix and 1905.com has teamed with game publisher Electronic Arts to make the film. It will be an official co-production, which means much of the movie will be filmed in China with a significant amount of local talent.
The co-production is the latest in a flurry of deals between Hollywood and China, after Bob Simonds' STX Entertainment pacted with Chinese film company Huayi Brothers and Lionsgate announced a major tie-in with Hunan TV.
The original 2014 movie, based on Electronic Arts’ hit video game franchise, was released by Disney’s Touchstone Pictures and grossed more than $200 million in worldwide theatrical box office, with more than $65 million of that coming from the China market.
Cao Yin, chairman of China Movie Channel, said he was delighted that much of Need for Speed 2 would be filmed in China, and include much more Chinese talent and elements.
"This venture is another great endeavor to bridge the cultures between China and the West through films. We look forward to cooperating with excellent films and filmmakers to thrill and entertain movie lovers internationally with more outstanding films with Chinese labels," said Cao.
China Movie Channel, Jiaflix and 1905 Pictures most recently teamed up with Paramount on 2014’s Transformers: Age of Extinction, which took more than $300 million in China and was the biggest movie in Chinese history.