USA Today has published the first official pictures of the Mach 5 from the new Speed Racer movie currently in production in Germany.  Producer Joel Silver told USA Today that the Wachowski brothers, who are directing the new film, were introduced to anime by the Speed Racer cartoon series, which aired on U.S. TV in the 1960s.  According to Silver the new film with have a 'retro future' look and will be suitable viewing for the entire family, because the brothers, who created, directed or produced a number of high profile 'R' rated projects including The Matrix and V for Vendetta, 'wanted to do something their nephews and nieces could watch.'

The sleek Mach 5 car won't be risked in any dangerous chase scenes.  The Wachowski brothers, who built a section of freeway in order to stage chase scenes for their Matrix sequels, have decided to put the Mach 5 on a crane and shoot it against a green screen in order to keep costs down.  Although earlier reports had Vince Vaughn essaying the role of Speed's elder brother, Racer X, Matthew Fox will play the role opposite Emile Hersh as Speed, and Christina Ricci as Trixie.  No word yet on the identity of the chimpanzee who will play Chim Chim, but the character won't be computer-generated, he will be played by a real chimp.

The American version of the Speed Racer anime is available on DVD from Lionsgate and several series of Speed Racer comics have been collected in graphic novel form.  With the new movie due out next summer (see 'Date Set For New Speed Racer Feature'), look for a major increase in licensed merchandise in the first half of 2008.