As we discussed a few weeks ago, a big-screen, live-action adaptation of Speed Racer is in the works. The movie reportedly started filming this week in Germany and we have a few more details about the film’s storyline, cast and trademark car.
Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a natural behind the wheel. He was born to race cars and is aggressive, instinctive and fearless. His only real competition is the memory of the deceased brother he idolized — the legendary Rex Racer (Scott Porter).
Speed’s father Pops (John Goodman) runs the family’s racing business and designed Speed’s racecar, the legendary Mach 5. When Speed turns down a tempting offer from rival Royalton Industries, he infuriates the company’s maniacal owner (Roger Allam). Speed also uncovers the secret that some of the biggest races are being fixed. If Speed won’t drive for Royalton, Allam’s character will make sure he won’t ever cross a finish line again.
The only way for Speed to save his family’s business and the sport he loves is to beat Royalton at its own game. With the support of his family and his loyal girlfriend, Trixie (Christina Ricci), Speed teams up 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.
In addition to those already mentioned, Susan Sarandan will play Speed’s Mom, Kick Gurry will play friend Sparkie, and young Paul Litowsky will play Spritle, Speed’s little brother. Spritle’s playmate Chim Chim will be played by a real chimpanzee. The film is being written and directed by The Matrix’s Andy and Larry Wachowski, fulfilling a lifelong dream for the brothers.
Fox is excited about his role and said, “Racer X is fairly mysterious and enigmatic character. I can’t give away too much, obviously, about who he is and how he fits into the series, but I’ve never been as excited to be a part of a project as I am on this. It’s something I’m thrilled to be a part of.”
The film will have a “retro future” feel to it will have a very bright and family-friendly feel to it and a lot of special effects. Many of those special effects will center around Speed Racer’s trademark car the Mach 5. An image of the vehicle has just been released and fans are relieved to know that it looks a lot like its cartoon counterpart. Interestingly enough, the Mach 5 will log very few miles on the pavement. It will spend far more time suspended from a crane and being used in special effect shots.
The film is due to be released on May 9, 2008, leaving less than a year to complete production. Go, Speed Racer, go! Stay tuned! 
