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Go Speed Racer Movie, Go!

by Alex Billington
November 1, 2006

Sorry, I just had to use that line! The Hollywood Reporter has announced that Larry and Andy Wachowski are finally teaming up for the feature film version of Speed Racer. Produced by Joel Silver and written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, the movie has plans to film in the summer of 2007 for a 2008 release. Not many details have been stated in regards to the story, beyond that it will focus on Speed Racer's adventures and his family and his archrival Racer X. In the same way the Wachowski's revolutionized filmmaking with the Matrix series, they're looking to do so again with Speed Racer:

Silver has been trying to get the film version off the ground since the early 1990s; in 2004, Vince Vaughn even pitched a take that cast him as Racer X. When Silver worked on "V for Vendetta" with the Wachowskis, he approached them about tackling the project. The duo were reluctant to do it unless they could figure out a way to bring something new to the table.

"They 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.

Although I may be one of the four people out there who really liked the last two films in the Matrix trilogy, this is seriously good news. Just look at what the Wachowski's did with V for Vendetta and what they've done overall, and now imagine what they'll be capable of creating this. It won't be a cheesy family film rip off Disney creation or awful Dukes of Hazard adaptation, it will be pure excellence. Go Wachowskis, go!

Editor's Note: I hope they cast Hugo Weaving as Racer X!

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Tony Roussos

As a very strong fan of the late 60's TV cartoon, I was wondering when someone would get around to making a real life version of Speed Racer! The Spiderman movies proved it could be believeably done. I was hoping I would be the one to sell the pitch to WB or any willing studio to develope the movie. Imagine General Motors or Toyota building several fully functioning Mach 5's and after filming I would get to keep one!! (Actually, the early C3 Corvette would make a great base to build without too much extra engineering.) Pops Racer would be a very important casting challenge! Trixie would be easy, but Mom Racer is a blast from the past!! Spritle could possibly upstage Speed if not carefully directed. Chim Chim is no problem. The chemistry between Speed and Sparky is very important as is the chemistry between Speed and Racer X. I do hope they include some well known extra characters like Snake Oiler, Inspector Detector, Mr. Van Ruffle, et al. Either way, a real life Speed Racer would make for some very nice entertainment at any age level and help provide a sense of hopefullness this country could use very much. With all the true stories of deceit, foul play, and overall selfishness from the average citizen to high ranking business and government officials, Speed Racer represents True-Blue American values and strength of character without the need of super-human powers or wiered mutation. Looking forward to this movie. Tony
James Caso

It's to bad that Paul Tuttle Sr. of American Chopper is not an actor, He is Pop's Racer!