Warner Bros. Moves "Speed Racer" Up, Away From "Indy 4"

Release-date brinksmanship is a time-honored tradition in the movie biz, particularly when it comes to the summer blockbusters, and Warner Bros. is getting an early head start on next summer's schedule: Variety reports that "Speed Racer" will hit American theaters on May 9, 2008, two weeks earlier than originally planned.

The official reason being given, according to studio executive Veronika Kwan-Rubinek: "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." This is fancy studio-speak, of course, for "We're trying to get a top-grossing weekend in between 'Iron Man' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.'"

"Speed Racer," directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski and produced by Joel Silver, is a live-action adaptation of the popular cartoon, and is rumored to star Vince Vaughn. Between the three movies we've already mentioned, and "Indiana Jones IV," set for the 23rd, May 2008 is shaping up to be an expensive one for moviegoers.

Source: Variety

Comments

ForFrodo

mike sheedy

An interesting article with a balanced viewpoint.

Mar 12 - 04:12 PM

dracus

Cap Nord

The Wachowskis should save themselves the embarrassment and simply have this second rate childishness go straight to video. Speed Racer will even make Scooby Doo look intelligent. However they could have the world premiere of Speed Racer in a daycare.

Mar 13 - 05:34 AM

sickofitall

b x

why dont you go die right now

Apr 24 - 03:08 PM

pinkincide

jon doe

Unless they hit each other in the face with wrenches, drive each other off cliffs to firey deaths, and have badly dubbed audio, it just won't be speed racer. Haven't we learned anything from Godzilla?

Mar 14 - 03:50 AM

RocketPunch

Rocket Punch

why!?

Mar 14 - 08:22 AM

ZiGyStRdUsT

Carlos Monino

ok, I'll admit I usto not like the Wachowski's what with the stupid Matrix sequels, and I was terrefied they would fuck up V for Vendetta because I like the comic. But they pulled it off, and I think they can pull off Speed Racer! Personally I think it's good that they are taking risks and trying to do something as unique as Speed Racer.

Mar 14 - 09:31 AM

Floor Man

Floor Man

I wonder how Narnia 2 will hold up with Indy 4.... Box office-wise, they both should make the studios happy. Narnia's a huge draw to all ages, and Indy's, well...Indy. Yay. I'm stoked.

Mar 31 - 11:16 PM

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