That’s right, race fans. When the live-action version of Speed Racer hits the big screen during next summer’s blockbuster season, Christina Ricci will be a part of the action.
For those of you not familiar with the premise, Speed Racer was originally a Japanese animated television series in the 1960s. In 1967, the 52 episodes were dubbed into English and sent into syndication. The series follows the exploits of Speed Racer as he attempts to gain fame and fortune on the racing circuit while avoiding villains, including the mysterious Racer X. Speed is helped along in his quest for glory by his parents, Mom and Pops Racer; his best friend and mechanic, Sparky; and his loyal and tough girlfriend, Trixie.
In the movie version, Ricci plays Trixie. The rest of the cast includes Emile Hirsch as Speed, Susan Sarandon as Mom Racer, John Goodman as Pops Racer, and Lost boy Matthew Fox as Racer X, who just happens to be Speed’s long-lost brother Rex Racer. The film is written and directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski. Yes, that’s right, the same boys who brought us Bound, The Matrix, and V for Vendetta decided it was time to make a movie their nieces and nephews could watch.
Personally, I’ve generally enjoyed Christina Ricci in whatever she’s chosen to do. From when she was just a wee little girl in Mermaids, with Cher and Winona Ryder …
to The Addams Family as creepy little Wednesday …
to her growing and grown-up turns in The Opposite of Sex …
and her compassionate Selby in Monster.
I’m looking forward to seeing her race around the track, especially if skintight leather racing gear is involved. On a side note, I’m also excited to see relative newcomer Nayo Wallace as Minx, girlfriend to Racer X.
Yummy.
