Speed Racer (Wachowski's; 2008)

[criterionmaster]

Fox tunes up for Warners' 'Speed' ride
By Tatiana Siegel and Borys Kit
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Source #2: Hollywood Saloon
April 19th, 2007

Larry and Andy Wachowski have added another two passengers to their "Speed Racer" vehicle. Matthew Fox is in final negotiations to play Racer X in the live-action update of the 1960s cartoon for Warner Bros. Pictures and producer Joel Silver.

In addition, Aussie actor Kick Gurry is in negotiations to play Sparky, Speed's hippie mechanic.

Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon and John Goodman already are on board the film, which will shoot in the summer in Berlin. "Speed" centers on a young race car driver, Speed (Hirsch), and his quest for glory in his thundering, gadget-laden Mach 5. Fox will play Speed's mysterious racing rival, an enigmatic soldier of fortune.

The "Lost" star will fit "Speed Racer" in around the series' summer hiatus.

The Wachowskis are writing and directing, with the studio eyeing a summer 2008 bow.

End of Article.

[captainofbeef]

It sounds interesting, though I don't know if the Wachowski's should be handling it.

[criterionmaster]

It sounds so fucking stupid; I can't believe ptahole hasn't commented this thread yet. A live action speed racer?! The reason the original is so good, is because it is so bad. It will never work as a real film (in my opinion).

[PTAhole]

As a fan of the source material, and a mild fan of the directors, one would think I'm looking forward to this project. Well, I am and I'm not. Unlike you, Dan, I do enjoy Speed Racer, not just because it is "so bad," but because I think it's a good kids show. (Watch the original Japanese verson, it's quite good) However, I do doubt how well it could be done as a live action film. As far as the Wachowskis, while they're last two movies (Matrix sequels) aren't exactly... good, I never believed the "You are your last film" concept, so I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Count me as cautiously excited. Let's wait for the trailer before judgement is passed.
By the way, Beed, I thought you hated anime? It surprises me to see you say, "It sounds interesting."

[captainofbeef]

I played the video game for Super Nintendo. I knew it was an animated series, but I've never seen it.

[criterionmaster]

First Look at Speed Racer's Mach 5[/b]
Source: USA Today May 31, 2007

USA Today has debuted this first photo of the Mach 5 in the Wachowski brothers' Speed Racer, which starts filming next week in Germany. The article also features quotes from Emile Hirsch, who reveals a bit more about the May 9, 2008 release. Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox, Susan Sarandon and John Goodman co-star.



Based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida, the live-action film will follow the adventures of the young race car driver Speed in his quest for glory on and off the track in his thundering Mach 5. In addition to Speed and Trixie, the movie will feature other characters that fans of the show will remember, including Speed's family and his mysterious arch-rival, Racer X.

End of Article.

Thoughts on the look?

Speed Racer Press Conference Online
Source: Reuters June 1, 2007

With the unveiling of the Mach 5 car from Speed Racer, producer Joel Silver and cast members Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox and Susan Sarandon talked about the big screen adaptation coming May 9, 2008 from the Wachowski brothers.

You can watch a video of the press conference here!

End of Article.

[winterhat]

worst idea for a movie since 'rocky and bullwinkle'

[criterionmaster]

agreed. of all the movies they could make!

www.speedracerthemovie.com/

[criterionmaster]

Speed Racer movie update[/b]
Official plot synopsis for the Wachowski Brothers Speed Racer adaptation.
Editor, CraveOnline
June 13, 2007

Writer/directors Larry and Andy Wachowski have teamed up with producer Joel Silver to make a live-action, family adventure (i.e. PG) Speed Racer. Based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida.

Hurtling down the track, careening around, over and through the competition, Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a natural behind the wheel. Born to race cars, Speed is aggressive, instinctive and, most of all, fearless. His only real competition is the memory of the brother he idolized—the legendary Rex Racer—whose death in a race has left behind a legacy that Speed is driven to fulfill.

Speed is loyal to the family racing business, led by his father, Pops Racer (John Goodman), the designer of Speed’s thundering Mach 5. When Speed turns down a lucrative and tempting offer from Royalton Industries, he not only infuriates the company’s maniacal owner (Roger Allam) but uncovers a terrible secret—some of the biggest races are being fixed by a handful of ruthless moguls who manipulate the top drivers to boost profits. If Speed won’t drive for Royalton, Royalton will see to it that the Mach 5 never crosses another finish line.

The only way for Speed to save his family’s business and the sport he loves is to beat Royalton at his own game. With the support of his family and his loyal girlfriend, Trixie (Christina Ricci), Speed teams with his one-time rival—the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox)—to win the race that had taken his brother’s life: the death-defying, cross-country rally known as The Crucible.

Speed Racer hits theaters on May 9, 2008 and the film marks the Wachowski brothers’ first writing/directing collaboration since The Matrix movies. Joel Silver previously worked with the Wachowskis on The Matrix movies and V For Vendetta.

End of Article.

This can't be actually happening.

[criterionmaster]

Richard Roundtree Joins Speed Racer[/b]
Source: The Hollywood Reporter July 2, 2007

Richard Roundtree has joined Warner Bros. Pictures' Speed Racer, Larry and Andy Wachowski's live-action adaptation of the 1960s cartoon.

"Speed" centers on young race car driver Speed (Emile Hirsch) and his quest for glory in his thundering, gadget-laden Mach 5. Roundtree will play Ben Burns, a racer-turned-commentator who is an icon to the fans and a hero to Speed.

Roundtree joins a cast that includes Matthew Fox ("Lost"), Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon and John Goodman. Shooting is under way in Berlin.

Roundtree, best known for playing the iconic character Shaft, recurred on NBC's "Heroes" and next season will reprise his role on the ABC Family Channel series "Lincoln Heights."

end of article.

[criterionmaster]

Oliver Joins the Speed Racer Cast
Source: Variety July 9, 2007


Christian Oliver (The Good German) has been added to the cast of Warner Bros.' Speed Racer, helmed by the Wachowski brothers, reports Variety. Emile Hirsch and Matthew Fox star.

The actor's credits include Subject 2 and Ready or Not, both of which he starred in and produced. He's also prepping indie The House of Good and Evil, which starts filming in September.

Speed Racer hits theaters on May 9, 2008.

end of article.