Speed Racer Synopsis

Warners issued the following synopsis for Speed Racer, but left out the big spoiler. I'll add that on at the end, so tread carefully.

Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a natural behind the wheel. Born to race cars, Speed is aggressive, instinctive and, most of all, fearless. His only real competition is the memory of the brother he idolized—the legendary Rex Racer—whose death in a race has left behind a legacy that Speed is driven to fulfill.

Speed is loyal to the family racing business, led by his father, Pops Racer (John Goodman), the designer of Speed's thundering Mach 5. When Speed turns down a lucrative and tempting offer from Royalton Industries, he not only infuriates the company's maniacal owner (Roger Allam) but uncovers a terrible secret—some of the biggest races are being fixed by a handful of ruthless moguls who manipulate the top drivers to boost profits. If Speed won't drive for Royalton, Royalton will see to it that the Mach 5 never crosses another finish line.

The only way for Speed to save his family's business and the sport he loves is to beat Royalton at its own game. With the support of his family and his loyal girlfriend, Trixie (Christina Ricci), Speed teams with his one-time rival—the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox)—to win the race that had taken his brother's life: the death-defying, cross-country rally known as The Crucible.

And here comes that SPOILER - Racer X is in fact Speed's brother. Rex/Racer X - geddit? I guess many people know this by now...?

Prima Donna Efron

Just like we told you: Zac Efron lost the lead in Speed Racer because he plays the Diva card a little too often. I wonder how Emile Hirsch feels knowing he was a backup plan?

Emile Hirsch Leaving Zac Efron In The Dust

Emile Hirsch is in final negotiations to take the lead role in Speed Racer. Zac Efron does appear to have been the first choice, but, according to the rumour mongering birds out there, his High School Musical contract was too tight and dates couldn't be shifted.

From what I hear, however, Efron might well have the last laugh as all manner of high profile roles are being sniffed out for him in preperation for the High School sing-a-long being over later this year.

Good luck to them both.

[EDIT: The BBC have gotten a little confused. Forget Emile, they're claiming that Judd Hirsch has the part]