By Ryan Parsons | Image property of respective holders, Variety.
Speed Racer
After announcing that the Wachowski brothers would be helming a Speed Racer adaptation back in November of 2006, Warner Bros is now strategically planning when the film will jump off the starting line. Since finding an open weekend in the summer months requires much er, "strategery", Warner Bros has decided to push the film a couple weeks forward off its scheduled release of May 23rd.
Speed Racer Release Pushed Up to May 9, 2008
Warner Bros. will release Speed Racer to (almost) every territory on May 9th, 2008.
Dan Fellman, who handled domestic distribution for Warner Bros., claims that the move will give Speed Racer an extended frame for maximum playability.
International distribution prexy Veronika 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."
Though Veronika and Dan sound confident in the move, the film is not out of dark water just yet. To be honest, it looks like Warner Bros. placed Speed Racer right in the thick of competition. Iron Man is currently scheduled to open to theatres the first weekend of May and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian will close in Speed Racer with its May 16th release.
Larry and Andy Wachowski will direct Speed Racer with Joel Silver producing.