Movie News

Emile goes racing with the Wachowski

Mon 31 Dec 11:20 AM

Emile Hirsch, the star of the critically acclaimed Into the Wild (pic) directed by Sean Penn, will be seen in a decidedly different guise in 2008.

He's the star of Speed Racer and plays the title role of the driver of Mach 5. It's a car developed by his father (played by John Goodman) to race in the big league and based on a Japanese cartoon from the 1960s. Speed is the brother of Rex, a heroic racer who died in a race. Speed is a natural and aims to win the championship for Rex for the family firm. Though evil big business is out to stop him.

The bigger news about this film though is it's the long awaited return behind the camera for the Wachowski brothers, Andy and Larry. The notoriously publicity shy pair haven't directed since the Matrix trilogy - athough they did write the screenplay and produce V for Vendetta in 2005.

The trailer's already out and about online and it proves the boys have really let themselves go once more in developing a unique look resonant of classic arcade games for the film - especially the amazing race sequences which are sparkly and and spangly.

Very much a family action movie it's due to see the light of day in May 2008 and will also stars Susan Sarandon and Christina Ricci and will undoubtedly be surrounded by a plethora of merchandising!