Speed Racer to Hit the Big Screen in 2008

One of the best and well-known Japanese animation -- Speed Racer will be having its widescreen version thanks to writer/directors Larry and Andy Wachowski, the creators of the groundbreaking "The Matrix" trilogy, and producer Joel Silver who will together collaborate to film the live-action, high-octane family adventure.

Set to be released May 9, 2008, the story centers around Speed Racer (to be played by Emile Hirsch), a natural behind the wheel and his quest to win the “real competition’ -- 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.

The story also touches on Speed’s love for his family and their racing business – led by his father, Pops Racer (John Goodman), the designer of Speed's thundering Mach 5. Things will get interesting with the movie’s various twists and turns, involving the film’s various characters including Speed’s girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci), Speed’s one-time rival—the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox), Speed’s mom (Oscar winner Susan Sarandon), Sparky (Kick Gurry), Sprittle (Paulie Litt), and villain Royalton (Roger Allam). The film also marks the major film debut of Asian music star Ji Hoon Jung (popularly known as Rain) as a rival driver.

"Speed Racer" is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, of a Silver Pictures Production.