Need for Speed didn't resonate with critics or moviegoers back 2014, so we were definitely surprised to learn about Sony's decision to move forward with a Gran Turismo movie. The games have never really featured much of a plot, and the franchise doesn't exactly lend itself to Fast & Furious-style action scenes!
Regardless, we now have a first look from CES (via GameFragger.com), and it's clear the focus will primarily be on gorgeous sports cars racing for supremacy. As for the actors stepping behind the wheel, this sneak peek includes a few brief words from stars Archie Madekwe, Orlando Bloom, and David Harbour.
Interestingly, the movie promises to mix real-life racing with gaming, though that makes sense based on what little has been revealed about this big screen adaptation of the best-selling series.
"Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough," reads the synopsis, "the film is the ultimate wish fulfillment tale of a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver."
Neill Blomkamp (District 9) directs Gran Turismo from a screenplay by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin. Joining Madekwe, Harbour, and Bloom in the movie are Darren Barnet, Djimon Hounsou, and Geri Halliwell Horner.
The latter will be best known to many of you as Spice Girls' Ginger Spice, though she's actually married to Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner. Considering the fact she knows her way around a Formula 1 track, we're definitely intrigued to see what the singer and actress brings to the table here.
Gran Turismo is one of many video game adaptations heading our way from Sony, with The Last of Us, God of War, Horizon, Ghost of Tsushima, Days Gone, and Twisted Metal among those in the works.
Gran Turismo is set to be released in theaters on August 11.