Thanks in large part to the interest of guy-of-the-minute Vince Vaughn, Warner Bros. has decided to reinvestigate a live-action Speed Racer film.  Vaughn would play Speed's older brother, Racer X.

There have been talks of a Speed Racer movie for almost a decade now, but until recently it seemed as though Warner Bros. had lost interest in the idea.  Like so often in Hollywood, money was the key.

Vaughn pitched a storyline to the studio that centered on characters and story, rather than a bunch of expensive racing scenes, according to Daily Variety.  Vaughn's take on the story is that Racer X is the protective older brother that cannot reveal his identity--an anonymous hero with depth and subtlety.

Despite that, a Speed Racer movie without expensive racing scenes is just stupid.  Not to put too fine point on it.

Joel Silver (The Matrix) is the producer, so perhaps the film will take shape in his capable hands as he shops for a screenwriter.  No other actors have been cast at this time.