Lost star Matthew Fox is in final negotiations to play Racer X in the Wachowski Brothers’ upcoming live-action adaptation of Speed Racer.
Emile Hirsch is Speed Racer, an eighteen-year-old who aspires to become a race car driver, but his father, automotive engineer “Pops” (John Goodman) disapproves. Speed with the help of the amazing Mach 5 race car and girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci), embarks on a series of fantastic adventures that pit him and his friends against Skull Duggery, Snake Oiler, Mr. Wiley, and the Alpha Gang. Susan Sarandon is also on board to play Speed’s mother. Fox will play Speed’s mysterious arch-rival, Racer X. I wonder if Fox’s instant like-ability will hurt the character’s villainous status.
The original cartoon was one of the first Japanese animes to catch traction with American audiences. Speed Racer is scheduled to hit theaters on May 9th 2008.
April 19th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Too bad the author has never watched Speed Racer. RacerX was not a Villian he was ::SPOILER AHEAD:: Speed’s long “LOST” brother Rex! Get it RacerX = Rex.
April 20th, 2007 at 6:04 pm
If I recall correctly, Racer X starts off as Speed Racer’s rival, so he’s not a villain per se, but his agenda is unknown. I assume the movie will follow that plot point.
April 21st, 2007 at 8:18 am
OK, I’m from the generation that watched the original anime series on TV(on a black and white set) in the 60’s. I remain cautiously optimistic, does anyone remember what happened to that film disaster called ‘The Thunderbirds’? So far, the casting looks good. Of course this thing will never get out of 1st gear with out a decent script.
September 11th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Was a big fan of the show when I was a kid. my wife went to school with Matthew Fox back in WY. so we have 2 reasons to hope the film is a good
May 20th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Just saw Speed Racer with my 5 year-old…what a trip! Can’t understand the middling reviews for this movie, the visuals are a blast, and the whole thing was just loads of fun start to finish (ha ha). Matthew Fox isn’t given many lines, but is looking pretty sweet, less scrubby than on Lost, understandably. Hoping it succeeds enough to justify a sequel!