In 2008, the Wachowskis directed a live action adaptation of the classic Anime series, Speed Racer that failed to get much traction at the box office. But you can’t keep a legend down forever, and it’s time for Speed Racer to make another comeback!
Anime News Network is reporting that a brand new Speed Racer Anime series is coming in Japan from Tatsunoko Production. Details about the new series (including the format and release date) are scarce, but the company promised that new Speed Racer would be updated for a modern audience.
As part of the new initiative, the original Speed Racer series from 1967 will be released in high definition for the first time. In Japan, the series was known as Mach Go Go Go, but both versions of the show followed the adventures of Speed Racer as he competed in high stakes races with his iconic car, the Mach 5. The series was also notable for its memorable supporting cast, including Speed’s parents,his younger brother, Spritle; Speed’s girlfriend, Trixie; and the enigmatic masked man, Racer X. Oh yes… there was also the incredibly obnoxious pet chimpanzee named Chim-Chim; who was basically the Jar-Jar Binks of the show.
The most recent animated update of the franchise was Speed Race: The Next Generation; which introduced Speed’s sons as the new main characters and brought an even bigger sci-fi angle to the series. It debuted in 2008 and ran for only two seasons.
What do you want to see in a new Speed Racer Anime series? Buckle up and share your thoughts in the comment section below!
