After several years of sitting in neutral the big-screen, live-action version of “Speed Racer” is ready to hit the big screen fast track.
The Wachowski Bros. control the checker flag – which means the boys are behind the writing, directing and financing of the long-awaited project with Joel Siver producing.
The film will be based on the classic 1960’s series created by anime genius Tatsuo Yoshida. The stoy follows the adventures of the young race car driver Speed in his quest for glory in his thundering high-tech vehicle dubbed the Mach 5. The movie features other characters from the show, including Speed’s family and his mysterious archrival, Racer X.
This project has languished between various studios since the early 1990’s and it was only after Silver talked with the Wachowski brothers during the shooting of “V for Vendetta” that the possiblity of re-tooling “Speed Racer” once again looked to be do-able.
“They [Larry and Andy Wachowski] are approaching these racing scenes in a way you’ve never seen before,” said Silver, adding that the brothers are designing the movie’s look as they write. Silver also said that unlike the more adult-oriented material of the Wachowskis’ past — “Vendetta,” the “Matrix” movies and “Bound” were all rated R — “Speed” will be family-friendly.
“They wanted to do something that could appeal to everybody,” Silver said.
The plan is for the Wachowskis to shoot in summer 2007 for a summer 2008 release.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
The Warchowski’s are only involved because of Speed’s skin-tight leather racing suit. Expect Racer X’s traditional mask from the cartoon to now include a zipper across the mouth.
Oh boy, races in bullet time. I can’t wait to see it…not.
I’m curious how it’s going to turn out, but I don’t have high hopes for the movie.