Post by RSunn on Jun 24, 2004 23:22:06 GMT -5
LOS ANGELES (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 on Thursday.
Reuters Photo
The "Speed" project, idling in Warner's slow lane for about a decade, shifted back into high gear after actor Vince Vaughn (news) ("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 (news) at the helm with Johnny Depp (news) 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."
Warner Bros. is a unit of Time Warner Inc.
Reuters Photo
The "Speed" project, idling in Warner's slow lane for about a decade, shifted back into high gear after actor Vince Vaughn (news) ("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 (news) at the helm with Johnny Depp (news) 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."
Warner Bros. is a unit of Time Warner Inc.
