Those of you who are less than thrilled with Andy and Larry Wachowski’s decision to direct a live-action adaptation of "Speed Racer" may need to steel yourselves for the latest piece of news regarding the project: Specifically, that "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2" star Zac Efron is in talks to strap on a helmet and go, Speed Racer, go.
The Wachowskis have proven themselves capable of building a decent movie around pedestrian acting talent (see: Reeves, Keanu), and hey, for all we know, this could be just the project to elevate Efron from Disney sensation to bona fide thesp — not that Speed Racer seems like a particularly demanding role. Still, though, this news smacks of yet another fumbling attempt by a major studio to wedge a suddenly in-demand actor into a high-profile role.
Efron (left) in "High School Musical"
Before being seen in "High School Musical 2," Efron will appear in this summer’s screen-to-stage-to-screen adaptation of John Waters’ "Hairspray", alongside John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, and Amanda Bynes. "Speed Racer" is projected for a May 9, 2008 release.
Source: DarkHorizons
Source: JustJared
