Here he comes............

[Mdlbigcat]

I just read on CNN's website, that a live-action Speed Racer movie is back on track. Actor Vince Vaughan sold the studio a treatment based on the cartoon show, with an emphasis on the characters, not the FX. Here's the report from CNN:

Here comes 'Speed Racer' -- the movie
Vaughn to play Racer X
Friday, June 25, 2004 Posted: 8:22 AM EDT (1222 GMT)


LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) -- Chim Chim must be doing back flips. Warner Bros. is back on track with development of a live-action film adaptation of the popular Japanese-made cartoon series "Speed Racer," the studio said Thursday.

The "Speed" project, idling in Warner's slow lane for about a decade, shifted back into high gear after actor Vince Vaughn ("DodgeBall") sold the studio on his own concept for the movie, with Vaughn cast as the title character's mysterious big brother, Racer X, a studio spokeswoman said.

Entertainment trade paper Daily Variety reported that the studio was receptive to Vaughn's vision because it focused on character development and a family story in lieu of potentially costly racing scenes.

A previous incarnation of the project had director Julien Temple at the helm with Johnny Depp on board to star, but Variety said that version stalled over budget considerations.

The Warner Bros. spokeswoman said no other talent was yet attached to the project, and producer Joel Silver ("The Matrix"), who owns feature rights to "Speed Racer," is currently shopping for a screenwriter. Vaughn also will hold executive producer credit.

"Speed Racer," a popular Japanese "anime" that gained a devoted following on U.S. television, centered on the adventures of a young driver named Speed and his supercharged racing machine, the Mach 5.

A colorful cast of characters included the elder Pops Racer, Speed's girlfriend Trixie (known for shouting "SPEEEEEED!" in times of crisis), and the pet chimpanzee Chim Chim. And there was the enigmatic Racer X.

"I've been a fan of the show since I was a kid and always liked the theme of the protective older brother who can't reveal his identity," Vaughn told Variety.

In addition to the recent comedy "DodgeBall," Vaughn's other big-screen credits include "Old School," "Starsky & Hutch" and "Swingers."


What do you think about this?

[rock]

This, the live action astroboy and the thunderbirds movie are very frightening prospects aren't they?

[Dragonrider1227]

NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
And for the record, I think the Thunderbirds movie is gonna SUCK!

[jeffbert]

If, as reported above, the thing focuses upon family relationships and characters, it will not likely go over well with fans of the anime. Action was the series' main attraction, and I as an adult, enjoy the B-movie characteristics, such as a total disregard for the laws of physics, impossible stunts, and Captian Terror, who seems to be practicing to be a ventriloquist, because he never moves his lips when speaking.

If the Mammoth Car had that much gold built into it (as seen when it melted) it would be a whole lot more valuable than the figure given.

I expect that young people who never saw the anime might like this, but old farts such as I will give it a thumbs down. Speed Racer was just so fantastic, that a live action film cannot hope to touch it. And, as mentioned, the emphasis will not be on action. Still, I will see it anyway. B)

[dannavy85]

I already hate the THUNDERBIRDS live action just because Bill Paxton is about to get typecasted by poor scripting, poor story line and a bunch of idiot kids thrown where they don't belong, flying the rescue vehicles!

Thunderbirds are dead!