Susan Sarandon, John Goodman Join 'Speed Racer'
The film, which will be directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, is to be based on the classic 1960s cartoon series that was created by anime legend Tatsuo Yoshida. The series was retooled for the North American audience and followed the adventures of a young race car driver, Speed, who is on a quest for glory in his speedy, gadget-laden car Mach 5.
The show revolved around Speed's family, so as a result the Wachowskis, who are writing and directing the film, are taking care with who they select for the family roles. Goodman is to play Pops, a race car builder and owner. Sarandon will play the backbone of Speed's family and the Mach 5 Go Racing Team.
Sarandon and Goodman are seen as odd choices for a genre film by many, but The Wachowskis saw them as a good fit to play family members.
Emile Hirsch, best known as the star of "The Girl Next Door," is already set to play Speed Racer. Hirsch has also played in "Lords of Dogtown." Hirsch's next role has him playing Christopher McCandless in "Into the Wild," Sean Penn's screen adaptation of Jon Krakauer's bestseller, which is set for release this September.
The Wachowskis are currently looking for the actress to play Speed's girlfriend, Trixie, as well as the role for his mysterious archrival, Racer X.
The Wachowskis are going to shoot the film in Germany this summer and the movie will be released for summer 2008.
"Speed Racer" is being produced by Joel Silver and will be a Warner Bros. Picture presentation in association with Village Roadshow Pictures of a Silver Pictures production.
Sarandon, represented by ICM, recently finished Paul Haggis' "In the Valley of Elah" and will also star in "Barnard and Doris." The role will have her playing heiress Doris Duke.
The Gersh represented Goodman will soon be seen in the Universal Pictures comedy "Evan Almighty" and will also lend his voice to DreamWorks Animation's "Bee Movie."
Sources:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3id1c3d218198539cbb7e224ab947fdf7b
http://movies.ign.com/articles/777/777541p1.html
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