"Speed Racer" Revs Up For May 9, 2008

The live-action feature "Speed Racer" will start up its engines May 9, 2008, two weeks earlier than previously scheduled.

In addition to opening wide in North America, the actioner will be released day-and-date in a majority of international markets.

The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, "We have been excited about "Speed Racer" since we first announced the project. We see it as a movie with broad-based, worldwide appeal--from adults to teens to families--making it the perfect film to lead off our exciting 2008 Summer slate. We want to give 'Speed Racer' the maximum playability throughout the season, so moving it up to the earliest possible date made the most sense."

Kwan-Rubinek added, "Opening "Speed Racer" day-and-date with the U.S. in most international markets will not only allow audiences to see the film early but will maximize business before the start of the European Soccer Championships."

"Speed Racer" is being written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, marking the brothers' first writing/directing collaboration since their "Matrix" movies.

The film is being produced by Joel Silver under his Silver Pictures banner.

Based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida, the big-screen "Speed Racer" will follow the adventures of young race car driver 'Speed' in his quest for glory in the thundering 'Mach 5'.

"Speed Racer" is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, of a Silver Pictures Production.