'Need for Speed' racing to theaters on Feb. 7, 2014

Announced last month, DreamWorks Studios' adaptation of the popular video game series "Need for Speed" will be released Feb. 7, 2014.

The film will be released Feb. 7, 2014.

The studio set the release date this week for the project, which has Scott Waugh ("Act of Valor") attached to direct.

Brothers George and John Gatins developed the original story with George writing the feature's screenplay. The screenplay is based on the "Need for Speed" series, but is not based on an individual game. EA will produce along with John Gatins and Mark Sourian.

"Need for Speed" is one of EA's best-selling video game franchises. Since the release of the first title, the series has sold more than 140 million units worldwide, generating an estimated $4 billion in retail revenue, making it one of the biggest franchises in video gaming. 

Dreamworks, EA driving 'Need for Speed' to the big screen

DreamWorks Studios has acquired the feature film rights to EA's popular video game franchise, "Need for Speed," it was announced jointly Friday by DreamWorks CEO and Co-Chair Stacey Snider and EA President of Studios Frank Gibeau.

The franchise has sold 140 million units.

Brothers George and John Gatins developed the original story with George writing the feature's screenplay. The screenplay is based on the "Need for Speed" series, but is not based on an individual game. EA will produce along with John Gatins and Mark Sourian. Scott Waugh ("Act of Valor") is attached to direct, and the project will be fast-tracked at DreamWorks with a target production start date for early next year, for a 2014 release.

The film adaptation will be 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, officials said. In "Need for Speed," the cars are hot, the racing is intense and the story keeps players at the edge of their seat.

"I'm excited about getting back into the creative trenches with John and George Gatins and my partners at EA to bring to life an exhilarating script based on an epic video game that seems to have been made for the movies," said Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks chairman. "This is a big piece of business for DreamWorks and we are grateful to Frank Gibeau, Pat O'Brien, Kevin Maher and John and George for choosing us to deliver their goods."