Paul

For the better part of this year, Dreamworks has been looking to create a high octane action franchise based off of the videogame series of the same name with Need for Speed. Once rumored to have Jason Statham in the driver’s seat, the film has been gaining some speed pretty fast as it’s already set for an Early 2014 release. With production slated for next Spring, it’s said that the studio had been looking to showcase a young face as the male lead that could really launch a star’s career. Now, it’s been revealed that an Emmy-award winning actor who will be closing out his role on one of television’s biggest dramas will be taking a major step following the conclusion of the series next year.

EW reports that Aaron Paul has officially signed on to play the lead character in Dreamwork’s Need for Speed. Paul is best known for his role as Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, which he won a Best Supporting Actor Emmy for his work in earlier this year. Plot details are still thin, but Paul is the first cast member to sign on for the feature.

Need for Speed will be directed by Scott Waugh (Act of Valor) with a story from George and John Gatins. George will be penning the screenplay, which won’t deal with one specific installment in the game series thus far. Instead, it’s said to take elements from multiple titles and blend them into a high octane action racing thriller.

This will be Paul’s first major film role, which comes on the heels of a strong supporting part in the indie drama Smashed. The feature has been gaining some possible Oscar buzz due to star Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Paul will venture back into filming the final eight episodes of Breaking Bad this December, with a premiere set for next July.

Need for Speed is set to hit theaters on February 7th, 2014.