Goodman, Sarandon on "Speed"

By Borys Kit

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Susan Sarandon and John Goodman are in negotiations to play the parents of Emile Hirsch in "Speed Racer," the live-action version of the anime cartoon being directed by "Matrix" creators Larry and Andy Wachowski.

Based on the classic 1960s series that was created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida and retooled for North American audiences, "Speed" follows the adventures of young race car driver, Speed (Hirsch), and his quest for glory in his thundering, gadget-laden vehicle Mach 5.

The show revolved around Speed's family, and the Wachowskis are being selective about who they pick for those roles. Goodman is playing Pops, a former wrestler-turned-race car owner and builder. Sarandon's character is the backbone of the family as well as the Mach 5 Go Racing Team.

Casting is under way for the characters of Speed's girlfriend, Trixie, and his mysterious archrival, Racer X.

The plan is for the Wachowskis, who are writing and directing, to shoot the Warner Bros. film in Germany in the summer for a summer 2008 release.

Sarandon recently wrapped Paul Haggis' "In the Valley of Elah" and is starring in "Bernard and Doris," in which she plays heiress Doris Duke. Goodman will be seen in the upcoming comedy "Evan Almighty."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter