SPEED RACER
Written by
Larry & Andy Wachowski
1st Draft
January 4th, 2007
INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY - PAST
A battered sneaker tattooed with doodles of speeding cars
and checkered flags and the words "Start Your Engines!"
Beats up and down, a sewing machine needle of anxious,
restless, adolescent energy.
A pencil fills in the oval of a standardized test form,
then hesitates, twitching with the speed of a humming
bird wing caught between two fingers, then is quickly
erased as a different answer is chosen.
The form sheet is filled with smudges of uncertainty.
A ten year old boy stares at the next question.
TEST QUESTION
Grace buys a bag of 240
jellybeans. There are 35 yellow
ones, 52 red ones, 63 green ones,
26 white ones, 41 blue ones and 40
black ones. If Grace wants to eat
one of each while keeping her eyes
closed, what is the minimum number
she will have to eat?
His mouth tries to makes sense of the question but it's
not working.
He looks around at the other students quietly, diligently
filling in their ovals while he fidgets, his leg beating,
his pencil fluttering, a pot jiggling its lid, about to
boil over.
He reads the question again. Greek. Chinese. Meaningless.
He looks up at the clock. The second hand sweeps towards
the 12. Then back at the test.
Something suddenly clicks.
He stares at the clock, pencil poised, waiting until the
second hand hits the 12 and he's off-
Filling in the ovals faster than it seems he could
possibly be reading the questions.
INT. TEACHER'S OFFICE - DAY - PAST
Mrs. Racer sits across the desk from Speed's teacher.
MOM
DISTRACTED
2.
CONTINUED:
TEACHER
No, that's not exactly right. Your
son seems to be interested in only
one thing.
Mom knows what's coming.
TEACHER (CONT'D)
All he talks about, all he seems
capable of thinking about is
automobile racing.
MOM
Well you know, his father designs
racing cars.
TEACHER
And where is your husband?
MOM
He's-working. He couldn't make
it.
TEACHER
Perhaps the apple hasn't fallen
very far from the tree.
Mom is uncomfortable with that truth while the Teacher
glances back to her records.
TEACHER (CONT'D)
Is your husband's name Rex?
MOM
No, Rex is his older brother. Why?
TEACHER
This is the test he turned in last
week.
She holds up the Scantron test that Speed was working on.
The bottom half of the ovals are filled in to spell out:
"GO REX GO!"
INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY - PAST
Speed has finished filling in the test and is now drawing
pictures in the corner of the test booklet.
He is drawing little race cars,. He flips a few of the
pages and we see a quick moment of his animation as two
cars collide.
3.
CONTINUED:
He continues to draw as the background of the classroom
fades to white behind him, becoming the black corner that
he is drawing on.
We watch the race going on in his head as hand-drawn cars
battle each other heading for a photo-finish. Speed
makes the car noise himself including the jumping sound
as two cars try to block the Mach 5, smashing into one
another as --
The Mach 5 jumps over and through the fiery crash,
crossing the finish line still in the air.
Speed is lost in slow-motion revelry, making the sound of
the roaring crowd.
The teacher hears him and looks up, frowning as she sees
him lost in his fantasy world.
A little girl with a pink barrette also hears him turning
to watch him, a smile creeping across her face; there is
no one in the entire school like him.
The teacher is about to say something when the bell
rings.
Speed snaps out of his fantasy and leaps up, in motion
before anyone else.
TEACHER
Alright, pencils down, bring your
TESTS--
Thwack! Speed slaps his down and is already heading for
the door.
TEACHER (CONT'D)
--to my desk.
Ham! The door slams open and Speed shoots out.
TEACHER (CONT'D)
Speed Racer, slow down!
EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Speed slides down the railing on his butt, a perpetual
motion machine as he scans the street, smiling as he sees-
Across the street, leaning against his hot rod, his big
brother, Rex Racer.
4.
CONTINUED:
He pauses crossing the street letting two impossibly cool
cars pass by.
Here we begin to see the unique and individualized nature
of the automobile in the world of Speed Racer. In this
world, the grocery store parking lot looks like a car
collector show; vintage and concept cars are as
ubiquitous as the Camry is in our world.
Speed dashes across the street, a tight parabolic arc
around the car, his little head sticking up like a shark
fin circling until--
The car door pops open and snaps shut.
The seat-belt clicks into place before Rex even has a
chance to move. He leans over and looks in the window.
Speed smiles.
REX
.I take it you're ready to go?
Speed nods. Rex climbs in beside him.
REX (CONT'D)
So, who was school?
YOUNG SPEED
Fine. Are you going to the track?
Mom said you were. You don't have
to drop me off, I could just go
with you.
REX
No way.
He starts the car and roadster growls to life.
YOUNG SPEED
Oh, come on, take me with you.
Come on, please.
REX
I can't, Speed. Pops would kill
me.
YOUNG SPEED
He doesn't have to know. I won't
say anything. Nobody will know.
Come on, please, Rex, pleaseplease
pleasepleasepleeeease.
Rex sighs, knowing there's no way he can with this.
5
CONTINUED: (2)
REX
Are you wearing the socks?
Lickety-split, Speed sticks his sneaker up against the
dash board and pulls back his pant leg revealing--
A bright red sock.
REX (CONT'D)
You roll us again and this'll be
the last time? Deal?
A ten year old's grin spreads ear to ear.
YOUNG SPEED
Deal.
INT. THUNDERHEAD LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT
A lone figure sits on a bench away from us; his racing
suit is unzipped to the waist and he sits with his head
down as though he was praying.
He is wearing a pair of bright red socks.
After a moment, he pulls his boots on, zips up his suit
and stands looking into the locker.
Propped against this gloves is a photo of Rex.
This is Speed ten years later. He takes the photo and
slides it into one of the zippered pockets of his suit.
He grabs his gloves and slams the locker shut.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT - PAST
The first gen T-180 screams along the metal raceway.
INT. CAR
Speed sits in Rex's lap, wearing a too-big helmet,
giggling with a child's mad glee as he steers.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT
The car.banks up a wall and roars down, swooping past.
6.
INT. CAR
Speed screeches as though riding a roller coaster.
REX
Feel that shimmy? That's your hind
legs trying to outrun you're
front.
SPEED
What do I do?
REX
Stop steering and start driving.
Speed gets serious, his lips tightening the way a hand
knots into a fist.
REX (CONT'D)
This ain't no dead piece a metal.
A car's a living breathing thing.
She's alive. You can feel her
talking to you, telling you what
she wants, what she needs. You
just gotta listen.
Speed tries to listen.
REX (CONT'D)
Close your eyes and listen.
Speed does.
REX (CONT'D)
They say that Ben burns drove the
last lap of the '68 Vanderbilt Cup
with his eye closed.
SPEED
No way!
REX
No? Well maybe you can't hear it
then. Maybe. you ought to start
hitting those books--
SPEED
No! I hear it!
REX
That so? Okay Mr. Burns, you tell
me when to gas it for the jump.
7.
CONTINUED:
Speed concentrates..
REX (CONT'D)
Now?
SPEED
Uh-uh.
The jump glides towards them as the tires seem to whisper
to Speed.
SPEED (CONT'D)
Now!
Rex smiles, hitting the gas, launching the car into the
air where it seems to hang fora moment before rushing
down at us as we cut--
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY -= NIGHT - PRESENT
The modern T-180's come flying overhead, slamming down
against the metal track, scattering bright bursts of
shooting sparks in their wake.
INT. MEDIA ROW
A long stretch of identical glass cubicles that look down
at the raceway, where announcer's from all over the globe
provide color commentary for race fans.
Thunderhead is a relatively small track and the media-row
should reflect that while it's big enough to be covered
in several different languages, it is not nearly as
important as the majors.
LOCAL ANNOUNCER
--local fan favorite, Speed racer
is just gobbling up this track,
slipping car after car--
HAROLD LEDERMAN ANNOUNCER
--no one seems able to lay a glove
on this kid--
AUSTRALIAN ANNOUNCER
--clearly a rising star, with
several big wins since turning
pro, though he remains without a
major sponsor--
8.
CONTINUED:
CHINESE ANNOUNCER
--a win tonight could put him
within range of qualifying for the
Grand Prix--
FRENCH ANNOUNCER
--let us hope he does not make the
same mistakes that his older
brother made--
INT. CAR
Inside the cockpit of a racing car that feels more like a
fighter jet, Speed does the thing he was born to do.
Though the vibrations are enough to rattle molars loose,
there is a calmness, a preternatural ease in Speed's
manner that suggests this maelstrom of velocity is where
he belongs.
He hears a voice in his headset.
SPARKY
Head's up,.Speed! Seven o'clock. I
got Snake drafting.Pitter-pat.
Speed looks into his mirror and sees a car with orange
and black markings, stacked up tight behind another car.
SPEED
I got him.
EXT. TECH PIT
It is smaller than a typical crew pit since the cars
don't really pit. There is a panel like a sound mixing
board filled with needled gauges and green-barred light
meters.
Sparky is watching through binoculars.
SPARKY
I figure he'll slingshot after you
in the next turn.
SPEED
I'm ready.
9.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT
The cars explode into the next turn when Snake uses the
draft to slingshot by the car ahead of him--
Hurling like a bullet straight at Speed as--
Speed thumbs a button on his steering wheel causing jacks
to shoot out of the bottom of the car and sending it up
into the air just as--
Snake flies under it, careening into the bottom of the
turn too tightly, bouncing of the rail, out of control,
ricochetting back at Speed as--
He turns his wheels, catching a part of Snake's car with
the grace of a bull-fighter, sending it spinning away
towards the other cars while--
Speed rockets free--
Eliciting a huge roar from the crowd.
EXT. TECH PIT
Sparky smiles.
SPARKY
Great move, Speed. Careful on the
butterfly coming up. You may wanna
ease up--
SPEED
Not this time, Sparky.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT
Speed careens through a butterfly turn like there was a
slot-guide in the track causing another crowd roar.
They can feel that something special might be happening.
EXT. TECH PIT
Sparky checks his stop watch.
SPARKY
Holy canoli, Speed, You know who
you're racing?
10.
CONTINUED:
He can see him.
SPEED
Yeah...
Just ahead, the ghost of his brother's car launches up
the second jump and when ti comes down we are back in the
past.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT - PAST
Rex drives the older model T-180, a man on a mission,
dominating the race exactly like Speed.
EXT. GRANDSTANDS
Pops stands watching the race through binoculars Young
Spped is beside him.
YOUNG SPEED
Rex's gonna win, ain't he, Pops?
Pops checks his watch but almost can't believe it. He
goes back to his binoculars.
YOUNG SPEED (CONT'D)
He's gonna win it. He's gonna set
the course record. Nobody's gonna
catch him.
POPS
Quiet, Speed! There's a lotta race
to run.
YOUNG SPPED
No way. It's over. My brother's
the best racer in the world.
Everybody else is running for
second.
The cars rocket through the twisted mobius of steel.
EXT. CREW PIT
Blackjack Benelli grabs one of the crew chief, knotting
his fists in the fabric of the path-covered cover alts.
BLACKJACK BENELLI
I told you to take him out!
11.
CONTINUED:
CREW CHIEF #1
We're trying, sir. He's just too
fast.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY
Rex blazes by, the track rattling like a metal roller-
coaster, opening an even bigger lead.
As we move around Rex's car, we see suddenly there is
someone right behind him, a ghost car--
Speed.
As Speed makes his move, he pulls us back into the
present.
INT. MEDIA ROW - PRESENT
The buzz is palpable.
LOCAL ANNOUNCER
--it's unbelievable folks, no
one's seen moves like this, since
that remarkable night eight years
AGO--
HAROLD LEDERMAN ANNOUNCER
--there's no doubt in my mind,
he's gunning for it--
AUSTRALIAN ANNOUNCER
--driving like a man possessed, a
man haunted by his past---
CHINESE ANNOUNCER
--a record that has stood for
eight years set by.his,older--
FRENCH ANNOUNCER
--he is not alone out there, he is
chasing someone, he is chasing the
ghost of Rex Racer--
EXT. GRANDSTANDS
in the glass of Pop's binos we can see the dim reflection
of the two brothers racing.
12.
CONTINUED:
Pops stands beside Mom. He is still watching the race
with his trusty binos though he is now a little older,
plumper and balder..
He clicks his stopwatch, checking it at the same time
that Sprittle checks his. Sprittle stands on the chair
next to him.
SPRITTLE
Jeepers, he could do it, Pops. He
could really do it, couldn't he?
Pops goes back to his binos.
SPRITTLE (CONT'D)
What if he does? What if he does
it, Pops?
POPS
Sssh!
SPRITTLE
I don't know if I can watch
this...
He holds the binos as though afraid to look when--
A hairy hand comes in and takes them away.
Chim-chim, sitting on the chair next to Sprittle, puts
the binos to his eyes.
Speed flies through a piece of tricky track drawing
another cheer.
Sprittle grabs the binos back just as the beautiful young
woman, standing on the other side of Pops, lowers her.
Trixie chews at her lip, feeling a knot twist into her
gut.
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET- DAY - PAST
The little girl wearing the pink barrette is walking with
a pack of girls, their little mouths as sharp as razors.
In the distance we hear a high-pitched motorized whine.
BLONDE PACK LEADER
My Daddy told me he used to work
for the Mishida Motorwerks but he
quit.
(MORE)
13.
CONTINUED:
BLONDE PACK LEADER (CONT'D)
My daddy said that was a
completely crazy thing to do. He
says the whole family is crazy.
TRIXIE
Speed's not crazy.
BLONDE PACK LEADER
No, he's just dumb. Probably the
dumbest kid in class. Ms.
Waterstraat had me alphabetize the
IRB tests and you wouldn't believe
what that retard did--
Sock!
Trixie decks her to the shock of the rest of the pack
just as the whine grows very loud and--
Speed comes rounding the bend on a little go-cart,
wearing his too-big helmet making his big head seem
ridiculously enormous.
Zipping past, he suddenly notices the girl in the pink
barrette standing over another girl; there is something
about her--
Maybe it's way she's got her fists up, like a boy, or
maybe it's the. way her jaw is set, ready to take on
ANYONE--
Whatever it is, when their eyes suddenly meet, he finds
he is unable to look away--
Staring at her, as he drives off the road, crashing
through a hedge and tumbling down a hill.
TRIXIE
Speed!
She runs to help him.
He is laying sprawled out, his car on its side, wheels
still spinning.
TRIXIE (CONT'D)
Are you alright?
He's a bit groggy.
SPEED
.who are you?
TRIXIE
I'm Trixie. I'm in your class.
14.
CONTINUED: (2)
SPEED
.oh .yeah.
He stares at her for a minute, powder-puffs of clouds
floating about her head.
SPEED (CONT'D)
He, would you like to see my car
COLLECTION
She smiles.
TRIXIE
I'd love to.
INT. POP'S GARAGE
Pops and Rex are working on the T-180. Rex is in a wife-
beater, up to his elbows in axel grease.
The sound of an angry bee hive fills the room as Speed
drives up through the big open door.
SPEED
Hey, Rex. Hey Pops.
RE X
Hey, Speedy.
POPS
Who's your friend?
SPEED
Her name's Trixie. She's in my
class.
TRIXIE
Hi.
POPS
Pleasure to meet you, young lady.
SPEED
Hey pops, a guy wanted me to give
this to you. He said he was a big
fan.
He hands him the package and Pops smiles.
POPS
A fan, is it? Not often we get
someone with such good taste
around here. Where is he?
15.
CONTINUED:
SPEED
He was in a hurry. Driving a '68
Fendersin. Sweet set. of wheels.
The car description rings a bell for Rex.
REX
Let me see that.
He grabs the box, then holds it to his ear.
It's ticking.
He jams it into the go-cart, against the pedal and slaps
it in reverse.
The go--.cart shoots out of the garage and down the
driveway until--
It explodes, an enormous fireball ballooning up past the
tree tops.
Trixie's eyes flash with excitement.
TRIXIE
Cool beans!
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT - PRESENT
Feeling the storm of emotions that she knows Speed must
be feeling, she takes a deep breath and raises the binos
back up.
Through the magnifying lenses we see Speed flying around
the track.
INT. MEDIA ROW
They are riding the story like Speed is driving the
track.
LOCAL ANNOUNCER
--no one from these parts will
forget the tragic story of Rex
RACER--
HAROLD LEDERMAN ANNOUNCER
--he nearly ruined racing--
AUSTRALIAN ANNOUNCER
--single-handedly tried to save
RACING--
16.
CONTINUED:
CHINESE ANNOUNCER
--one of the greatest scandals in
the history of the sport--
FRENCH ANNOUNCER
--it is always the brightest star
that burn out the fastest--
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT
Speed blister through the high-banked slalom and it seems
at first that he is all alone but then we see the trace
effect as we realize that the two cars are making
perfectly identical moves until--
They bank into a straightaway, splitting apart, like a
shadow suddenly cut free as both cars accelerate--
Neck and neck, the past a mirror of the present.
YOUNG SPEED (V.0.)
Can I go with you, Re
INT. REX'S ROOM - NIGHT - PAST
Young Speed watches as Rex packs his bags.
REX
Not this time, Speedy.
SPEED
When are you coming back?
REX
I don't know. I don't know.
He snaps the bag shut.
REX (CONT'D)
Look, Speed... one day people
might say things about me. No
matter what they say, I hop... I
just hope you never believe them.
SPEED
I won't.
He hugs his little brother, knowing it might be for the
last time.
17.
INT. RACER LIVING ROOM
Rex heads for the door but Pops is waiting for him.
POPS
So, you're quitting?
REX
I have to.
POPS
No you don't. This is a choice.
You're selling out, walking away
from everything we've built here.
REX
I'm done arguing with you Pops.
He turns back towards the door.
POPS
Don't you walk away from me!
REX
You can't tell me what to do. It's
my life to live.
He takes hold of the doorknob.
POPS
If you walk out that door, you
better not ever come back!
The door slams in response.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT PRESENT
Speed and the ghost of his brother cross, switching
positions as the memories come faster and faster.
INT. RACER LIVING ROOM - NIGHT - PAST
Speed sits on the floor, glued to the television,
ON
watching a big race that Rex is in. Mom and Pops are
the couch behind him.
All of them sit in.a suspended state, a fist of tension
squeezing the breath out of them. One the screen, is a
cloud of smoke billowing from a tangle of metal.
18.
CONTINUED:
RALLY ANNOUNCER (V.0.)
Rex Racer riving the black and red
Uniron car, got in a tangle with
Richenhbach, who had been favored
to win--
COLOR ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
That was no tangle, he took
Richenbach out--
RALLY ANNOUNCER
We don't know that but I imagine
the WRL will be reviewing this
crash.
COLOR ANNOUNCER
That's the third DNF crash Racer's
been involved in! Review it? Heck,
the oughta just suspend him.
POPS
Turn it off, Speed! I don't want
you watching this anymore.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT - PRESENT
Speed tightens his grip on the wheel.
INT. YOUNG SPEED'S BEDROOM
Speed is hidden beneath the blankets, the sound of a
small portable television barely audible.
RACE ANNOUNCER
Rex Racer almost took Yokima's
head off wit that jump!
RACE COMMENTATOR
There's absolutely no doubt in my
mind that Rex Racer is the
dirtiest driver in the world.
Lit by the soft glow of the small tv, Speed blinks and
the first tears slip silently down his cheeks.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT - PRESENT
His jaw locks, as he remains trapped between two
different forces.
19.
EXT. SCHOOL YARD - DAY - PAST
Young Speed is clobbering a kid who is twice his size. A
teacher finally pulls them apart.
BIG MOUTH
I just told him the truth! His
crum-bum brother doesn't belong on
a racetrack-- he belongs in jail!
Speed tears free and torpedoes Big Mouth again.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT - PRESENT
The two cars continue to dance around each other.
INT. MEDIA ROW
LOCAL ANNOUNCER
--the trial of Rex Racer shook the
World Racing League to tis very
FOUNDATION---
HAROLD LEDERMAN ANNOUNCER
--once a rat, always a rat and in
my book Rex Racer's nuthin' but a
RAT--
AUSTRALIAN ANNOUNCER
--the indictment brought down
perennial racing powerhouse
UNIROYAL--
CHINESE ANNOUNCER
--Uniroyal was linked to the
notorious fixer Blackjack Benelli--
FRENCH ANNOUNCER
--still in prison to this day,
Benelli was rumored to be behind
the Casa Cristo tragedy--
The two cars swerve, heading for a collision as we cut--
INT. RACER LIVING ROOM - NIGHT - PAST
Mom, Pops, Sparky, Trixie and Speed are all watching the
race on the television.
20.
CONTINUED:
Something happens and Mom drops her glass. It shatters
but no one seems to notice.
Young Speed is transfixed by the horror of what is
playing out, the images of fire and flashing lights,
reflecting in his eyes.
CASA CRISTO ANNOUNCER
This has to be one of the worst
crashes I have ever seen--
CASA CRISTO COMMENTATOR
Terrible, just terrible---
CASA CRISTO ANNOUNCER
There is still no sign of the
driver, Rex Racer.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY -- NIGHT - PRESENT
Speed presses down on the accelerator and starts to gain,
fighting the emotion welling behind his eyes.
INT. YOUNG SPEED'S BEDROOM - PAST
Held by his mother, Speed sobs and sobs while Pops stands
helplessly at the door.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD RACEWAY - NIGHT - PRESENT
Speed again pulls even with Rex as the finish line comes
into view.
TNT. MEDIA ROW
LOCAL ANNOUNCER
--he's comin'hard, it's gonna be
CLOSE--
HAROLD LEDERMAN ANNOUNCER
--forget the past, he's sayin',
this is my night--
AUSTRALIAN ANNOUNCER
--there's a new Racer in town--
CHINESE ANNOUNCER
--poised to wipe the slate clean--
21.
CONTINUED:
FRENCH ANNOUNCER
--escaping the dark shadow of his
older brother--
The checkered flag goes up, ready as the two cars come
screaming towards the finish line--
The large digital clock seemingly synchronized with the
past as--.
Speed looks over at the ghost car, the faintest smile on
his lips as he sees his older brother and then--
Takes his foot off the accelerator, letting Rex's car
surge ahead, crossing just before Speed.
The time is just over the record causing disappointment
to ripple through the crowd except for--
The Racer family who seem both relived and happy.
SPRITTLE
Come on, Let's go! Victory Lane!
INT. MEDIA ROW
They seem exhausted.
FRENCH ANNOUNCER
Zut alors! What a race!
CHINESE ANNOUNCER
--by a cat's whisker--
AUSTRALIAN ANNOUNCER
--the record still stands--
HAROLD LEDERMAN ANNOUNCER
--looked like he pulled up to me--
LOCAL ANNOUNCER
--Folks, I knew Rex Racer and if
he's up there somewhere watching
this race, you can bet your ass,
he's damn proud of his little
brother.
INT. RACER X'S PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
Walls of glass overlooking a galaxy of.twinkling
cityscape; a penthouse created as a diamond is created,
every face a perfect stroke of precision.
22.
CONTINUED:
A beautiful woman wearing nerdy-glasses sits watching the
television from the leather banquette. She has a body
made of the same kind of lines that a sports car or a
high-heel has, lines that make your head turn.
This is Minx.
Beside her is a brooding, muscled man, his attention
we don't
riveted as Speed pulls into Victory Lane. Though
see his face, this is Racer X.
MINX
He' going to be very good.
RACER X
No. He's going to be the best.
The crowd swarms around Speed's car.
RACER X (CONT'D)
If they don't destroy him first.
EXT. RACER HOUSE - MORNING
The phone is ringing.
INT. KITCHEN
to the
Mom is. cooking breakfast. Before she can get
phone, Sprittle grabs it.
SPRITTLE
Racer residence.
CORPORATE AGENT
Good morning, I was hoping to
speak with Speed racer.
SPRITTLE
He's not interested.
He hangs up.
MOM
Sprittle!
SPR ITTLE
It's true!
MOM
That's not for you to say.
23
CONTINUED:
SPRITTLE
Speed's gotta drive for Pops!
MOM
That's for Speeed to decide.
The phone rings again. Sprittle grabs it quickly.
SPRITTLE
Hello?
CORPORATE AGENT #2
Is this the Racer residence?
He glances at Mom.
SPRITTLE
Nope.
He hangs up. Shrugs.
SPRITTLE (CONT'D)
Wrong number.
INT. PARENTS BEDROOM
Pops is doing his exercises in his gray sweats.
INT. SPEED'S ROOM
BEN
Speed now sleeps in Rex's old room. The poster of
Burns is still tacked to the wall above the bed.
Mom opens the door.
MOM
Come on, Champ. Rise and shine.
Breakfast's ready.
to the
Speed's hair.seems to remain asleep, still molded
pillow as he tries to push himself up.
SPEED
.I'm up, I'm up.
INT. KITCHEN
THE
Mom spatulas another short stack of pancakes from
griddle and shovels them like coal into the blazing maw
of a locomotive, dumping them onto the plates of Sprittle
and Chim-chim.
24.
CONTINUED:
They eat ravenously, trying to secretly steal food from
each other's plates while Pops reads from the Racing
News.
POPS
"It was a virtuoso display of
talent, the likes of which has not
been seen at Thunderhead since
Racer the elder dropped jaws eight.
years ago. Now, as we once again,
pull our collective jaws up from
the floor, we have to ask, will it
be different this time, or will
TRAGEDY--
MOM
That's enough of that, Hon.
Pops puts down the paper and Sparky picks it up.
SPARKY
I just can't believe there wasn't
one mention of Racer motors in
there.
POPS
That's because the Sponsors run
the media, Sparky.
Trixie enters through the back door.
TRIXIE
Mornin' everyone. Is Speed up yet?
Speed stumbles in the door.
SPEED
.in spirit anyway.
TRIXIE
Hey superstar, did you see the
papers? They're all in love with
you.
SPEED
Really?
He sits, grabbing the paper.
SPARKY
Yeah, but there sure is a lot of
speculation about which team's
going to pick him up
25.
CONTINUED: (2)
SPEED
.really?
Speed starts to read and suddenly the room begins to
rumble, glasses shaking, plates rattling.
POPS
What the--?
SPRITTLE
Earthquake!
He and Chim-chim begin wailing in panic.
SPRITTLE (CONT'D)
Quick, under the table! Into the
door-frame!
POPS
Sprittle calm down!
SPEEED
Pops the kitchen's the most
dangerous room in a house during
an earthquake!
The whole table shivers and it seems the hanging ceiling
light might shake free when the tremor begins to subside.
Sprittle and Chim-chim, wearing a pot and a metal
colander for protection, look around, expecting something
bad to happen.
The house becomes pin-prick quiet when--
The doorbell rings.
INT. LIVING ROOM
Pops opens the door to a face full of turbine exhaust
from the private K-Harrier jet parked on their front
lawn.
On their doorstep is an extremely well dressed older man
carrying a bouquet of flowers and box of cigars.
His smile is as bright and shiny as a surgeon's scalpel.
He says, "Good morning, Mr. And Mrs. Racer" but no once
can hear him over the howl of the turbines.
He gestures, asking permission to come in. Pops lets him
by and closes the door, immediately reducing the noise.
26.
CONTINUED:
WELL DRESSED MAN
Mr. And Mrs. Racer, I hope you
will forgive this imposition.
He hands her the beautiful bouquet of flowers.
WELL DRESSED MAN (CONT'D)
These are Blue-belles from EDEN
Inc. I'm told the will bloom at
least three times, each time a
different color.
.Mom "ohhhs" her appreciation, while he hands over the box
of cigars.
WELL DRESSED MAN (CONT'D)
And Mr. Racer these are for you,
straight form the Isle of Kamut.
Hand-rolled. Premium blend.
They glance at each other, a bit takenaback.
POPS
Uh, thanks but... who are you?
He seems to rise up an inch taller as he introduces
himself.
WELL DRESSED MAN
I am E.P. Arnold Remmingtonton
Esquire, President and Chairman of
Remmington Industries and it is my
honor to meet you both.
He reaches for Pops' free hand.
REMMINGTON
Mr. Racer, I have been an ardent
admirer of your work for years. I
remember the first time I saw the
prototype for the Mach-1, I told
everyone that it didn't belong on
a race track, it belonged in an
art museum.
Pops chuckles.
POPS
Yeah, she was a beaut.
REMMINGTON
No, sir. She was a revelation.
He suddenly smells the pancakes.
27.
CONTINUED: (2)
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Oh, dear. I interrupted your
breakfast. Is that pancakes, I
smell?
MOM
Are you hungry, Mr. Remmington?
REMMINGTON
A figure like mine requires
constant attention, Mrs. Racer.
MOM
Do you like pancakes?
REMMINGTON
When I was a child we used to say,
"pankuken zin liesben."
Neither of them speak German.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Pancakes are love.
INT. KITCHEN
Remmington stuff another forkful into his mouth and moans
his appreciation.
Sprittle and Chim--chim sit on either side of him, their
gunsel eyes train on his every move.
REMMINGTON
Gorgeous, Mrs. Racer. Superb
density. Hints of vanilla.
Cinnamon. Absolutely gorgeous.
MOM
I'm glad you like them.
REMMINGTON
Like them? I want to-buy your
recipe.
He takes out his hand held computer and beings making
notes.
MOM
I can give you the recipe, Mr.
Remmington.
28.
CONTINUED:
REMMINGTON
Nonsense. Cenestro Foods, a sub-
division of Remmington Industries
is planning a new range of home-
cooked meals for travelers and
this is just the kind of magic
we're looking for. I'll have my
attorney draw up the paperwork.
Mom looks at Pops feeling flattered but again a distinct
discomfort.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Now, then. We all know the reason
I'm here is because of you, Speed.
I was watching last night and I
have to tell you young man, you
gave me goosebumps. I know at
once, this was no mere driver I
was watching. This was an artist.
Speed's ears go a bit red.
SPEED
Driver's only as good as the car.
REMMINGTON
I appreciate modesty, Speed but I
do not exaggerate when is ay that
you are a genius. Watching you
reminded me of why I love racing
and I am grateful for that. Thank
you.
SPEED
You're welcome, I guess.
REMMINGTON
I imagine the phone has been
ringing off the hook.
SPRITTLE
Speed's not interest in driving
for you or any other sponsor.
REMMINGTON
Is this your manager then?
MOM
He's our youngest. Sprittle.
REMMINGTON
Nice to meet you, youngster.
29.
CONTINUED: (2)
Remmington offers his hand but Sprittle doesn't take it.
SPRITTLE
We got out eye on you, Mister.
REMMINGTON
Excellent. The first thing I want
to make perfectly clear is that I
have no intention whatsoever of
trying to get Speed away from
Racer motors. What you have here
is what teams spend years and
millions of dollars trying to
achieve: chemistry. Car designer,
mechanic and driver all coming
together in perfect, harmony. I
wouldn't dare touch a thing.
SPEED
Well, excuse me for asking, but
what do you want?
REMMINGTON
To help. I want to make sure you
have access to whatever resources
you need to continue doing exactly
what you are doing.
POPS
I assume, Mr. Remmington that you
are not talking about
philanthropy.
Remmington chuckles.
REMMINGTON
I like when my partners have a
sense of humor. And that's what
I'm talking about. A partnership.
An alliance between your amazing
family and mine. That's exactly
what Remmington Industries is to
me, a family. Like yours. Just a
little bigger.
Pops isn't exactly buying it.
POPS
No offense, Remmington but Racer
Motors runs as an independent.
REMMINGTON
None taken. I completely
understand. I sympathize.
(MORE)
30.
CONTINUED: (3)
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Strike that-- I sympathize. You
may think of R. I. As a huge
corporate conglomerate but I will
have you know sire, that I still
remember working all night on a
Commodore 64 in the basement of my
foster parents' home. I build R.I.
From below the ground up. So while
Remmington Industries may look
like a Major Sponsor to you, it
remains in my heart as independent
to me as the first day I quit my
job at GloBocom to work for
myself.
They're 're stunned into silence, while Remmington
presses on.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Now I've had this wonderful
opportunity to meet your family.
All I am asking is for you to
please give me the chance to
introduce you to.mine.
EXT. COSMOPOLIS - DAY
The K-Harrier drifts through the polygonal mountain range
where glittering minarets of steel and glass crown
towering cathedrals of commerce.
Helicopters swarm like pollinating bees in summer field.
The vista is filled with the icons of every conceivable
business in very conceivable language. It is a landscape
that merges the pop-art sensibility of Warhol with the
urban sprawl of Blade Runner.
INT. K-HARRIER.
Wood paneled elegance surround the family who sit in
overstuffed seats as soft and padded as clouds.
They can't help but gawk out the windows as they float
through the city.
MOM
I've never flown so low through
the city.
REMMINGTON
Special permit. Only six of them
are granted a year.
31.
CONTINUED:
Sprittle and Chim-chim are gawking at something else: the
vertical pull-out drawer lined with every kind candy in
the world.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Take whatever you like.
He looks at her for a moment like is in love, then turns
back to the drawer where he and Chim-chim lunge for it,
pushing each other back.
POPS
Sprittle!
SPRITTLE
She said we could!
Pop growls at him, his eyes telling them they'd better
not take more than one piece.
Hang-dogged heads, they each grab one piece of candy?
POPS
What do you say?
SPRITTLE
Thank you.
She closes the drawer, their eyes seen through the racks,
watching paradise disappear as though a mirage.
SPARKY
Hey, there's the Grand Prix
Coliseum!
Sprittle and Chim-chim rush to Sparky's window. They can
see the entire track and even from this height it seems
enormous.
Sprittle turns to Remmington.
SPRITTLE
My brother's going to win the
Grand Prix one day.
Remmington's eyes glint.
REMMINGTON
No doubt in my mind; young man.
Given the right circumstances, I
have no doubt whatsoever.
32.
EXT. REMMINGTON INDUSTRIES
Power gleams off every surface and line of the strata-
scape.
The K-Harrier glides gracefully down to the private
landing pad.
INT. HANGER/FOYER
An entourage of assistants wait like puppies at the door.
Among them is a gorgeous woman with the kind of smile
that puts people immediately at ease.
REMMINGTON
This is Gennie. She's our Talent
Manager. Ask for anything, her
job's to make it come true.
GENNIE
Hi, Speed. Welcome to Remmington.
He shakes her hand while she signals to another man who
immediately begins scanning speed with an electronic
measuring device.
SPEED
What's this?
REMMINGTON
To make an informed decision
you'll need to understand how we
take care of our drivers.
The tailor finishes quickly as an electric cart, the kind
designed for a group tour pulls up.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
All abroad.
SPRITTLE
Cool!.
They climb on and the driver pulls into the tramway.
INT. TRAMWAY
These well lit hallways are extra wide with lots of
colored guide lines on the floor like. in a hospital.
33.
CONTINUED:
There are a lot of signs, directional and advertisements
hawking the widely varied Remmington products.
The red lines lead to doors emblazoned with "Restricted
Access."
There is a fair bit of hustle and bustle, like a busy
street as golf carts, seg-ways and motorized scooter zip
to and fro. No one walks.
REMMINGTON
Remmington Tower is the crown
jewel among the properties that I
control. It functions as the
corporate headquarters for he top
twelve divisions of our parent
corp. One big industries family.
The turn a corner heading for a large set of doors with
the double "R" logo of Remmington Racecars.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Of all the 143 companies that I
control, none of them is as dear
to my heart as the T-180 division.
The door opens as they enter---
INT. REMMINGTON CAR MUSEUM
Cars from the golden Age through to the present surround
the pathway, dangling in midair or mounted in situ-
dioramas, each carefully lit with spotlights like works
of art or precious gems.
REMMINGTON
I've always felt that it is
impossible to peer into the window
of Tomorrow without a clear view
of the Past.
SPRITTLE
That's the Crystal Horse with the
Apache Super--Charger!
REMINGTON
Winner of the Grand Prix in '69,
' 70 and '73.
34.
CONTINUED:
SPRITTLE
No. Wrong. '72. '71 was the
Vundervopper with the K-2 twin
turbine and '73 was the Kenobe
Motorstar re-built with a VC
;triple chamber.
Remmington considers arguing.
SPEED
Don't bother. He's never wrong.
They pass out of the museum.
INT. TRAMWAY
The hall widens allowing a special lane that leads out
onto an observation deck that over looks the main T-180
factory.
The bank of windows overlooks the enormous facility. It
is a state of the art assembly line that rises
vertically, instead of horizontally. The chassis arrives
at the bottom and is born up by a mechanical arm,
rotating as each platform assembles the next piece.
The far wall is nothing but glass providing a sun-
drappled_vista of Cosmopolis.
REMINGTON
Our vertically integrated plant is
the fastest in the world. From
initial carbon bond to finished
car in 36 hours. How long does it
take at Racer Motors?
SPARKY
Several weeks at least.
Remmington turns to Pops.
REMINGTON
This kind of production facility
could be at your disposal, Mr.
Racer.
The cart motor hums and slides back onto the tramway.
35.
INT. ENERGY-CELL THEATRE
The next viewing stage is a window into the vacuumed-
sealed laboratory where they construct the "engine" that
powers the T-180's turbine.
It looks like an operating theatre with several robotic
arms and a cluster of auto-surgeons operating inside
sealed perspec chambers.
REMMINGTON
This is our operating theater
where our patented Refusion Energy
Distributor Network is installed
in the turbine drive.
Sparky's eye light up.
SPARKY
Is that an inner-positive
transponder?
REMMINGTON
It is indeed.
Sparky shoots a look at Pops.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
We control the only transponder
foundry in the world outside of
Mushi Motors in Taiobi.
The window suddenly turns into a mirror.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Oops. Sorry. Trade Secrets.
INT. TRAMWAY
The cart arrives at an elevator station, and the driver
presses a signal control the doors opening immediately.
INT. ELEVATOR
The driver punches in a floor and door direction code
(north, south, east, west) and the elevator begins to
rise while the dais in the floor begins to spin aligning
them with a different door.
36.
CONTINUED:
REMMINGTON
Now, I'll take you up to the Team
Remmington training facility.
The west door opens and the cart glides out into a new
tramway which is not as industrial feeling as the first
one, decorated with a vinyl wainscotting and slightly up-
graded lights.
The higher you go in the Remmington Tower, the nicer the
halls are decorated.
INT. TRAINING AQUARIUM
The cart glides by a series of windows that reveal the
rigorous training systems invented to test the drivers.
The first is a multi-level, state-of-the-art fitness
facility in which the far wall again looks out into
Cosmopolis. Beyond the standard health club fare, there
is a Martial Arts gymnastics group in a standing pyramid.
There is also a range of strange devices ranging from the
retro steamer boxes, medicine balls and vibrating belts
to the hyper-modern triple axis gyro harness.
REMMINGTON
As you know, a T-180 driver's got
to be in peak physical condition.
Across from the gym is a smaller window where the typical
anaerobic test is being conducted on a female driver. She
is running on a treadmill with lost of wires hooked up to
her while several doctors not their approval at the read-
outs.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
No expense is spared to make sure
that when our driver's suit up
they are as perfectly tuned as the
machines they are controlling.
The next window is a massive centrifuge; a huge
mechanical arm whipping around a small capsule that
blasts past the window.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
The best driver must be able to
withstand over 4-Gs of force in a
typical race.
37.
CONTINUED:
On the opposite wall is the vibration chamber. A man is
strapped to a chair that is vibrating so hard you expect
his eyeballs to rattle out.
The next window is an underwater tank where a man is
driving in a mock up cockpit, executing peddle maneuvers
and gear shifts.
REMINGTON (CONT'D)
The will to win is nothing without
the will to prepare and at Team
Remmington we prepare our drivers
for any eventuality and every
possible condition.
The final window is the weather chamber where a driver is
again in a mock cockpit, blue-lipped and shivering while
snow and wind buffet him.
INT. ELEVATOR
The doors open and the craft glides in.
REMMINGTON
I hope I didn't care you, Speed
with how hard we push our team. I
just wanted you to see how serious
we are committed to winning.
SPEED
I get that.
REMMINGTON
Good. But also understand that
R.I. Isn't all work and no play.
The door opens revealing the Drivers' Club.
INT. DRIVERS' CLUB
A swanky Playboy-style casino club where, stylishly
dressed male and female drivers are catered to by
beautiful male and female "hostesses."
Sprittle's eyes almost pop out.
SPRITTLE
That's Cannonball Taylor!
Speed urns and sees the Captain of the Remmington Team.
38
CONTINUED:
REMMINGTON
Stop the cart. Jack! Jack, come
here. There's someone I want you
to meet.
Cannonball saunters over, wearing his two goiter-sized,
diamond-encrusted champion rings.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Speed Racer allow me to introduce
two-time Grand Prix Winner, five
time WRL Champion and future Hall
of Famer, Jack Cannonball Taylor.
SPEED
Honor to meet you.
CANONBALL
Caught that Thunderhead replay.
Nice piece of work.
SPEED
Wow, thanks.
CANONBALL
There was a rumor you might be
visiting.
SPEED
It's pretty impressive.
CANONBALL
Only thing I cared about was that
wall over there.
He gestures to a special wall fitted with the trophies
and medals won by team Remmington through the years.
CANONBALL (CONT'D)
That' what sold me. You want to
win in this league, you're talking
to the right guy.
Remmington beams.
REMMINGTON
Thanks, Jack.
Jack nods and the cart pulls away but not before Jack
shoots a backward glance at Speed that feels like a shank
in a prison yard.
39.
INT. PENTHOUSE
The doors open and Remmington leads the family into the
penthouse suite leaving the cart behind. Standard jaw-
dropping view, decorated in an upscale masculine
aesthetic.
Sparky whistles and whispers to Speed.
SPARKY
Long way from Nob Hill, eh?
REMMINGTON
We treat our thoroughbreds the way
they deserve to be treated.
He guides them into the room gesturing or demonstrating
all of the amenities.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
There's full maid service of
course with a personal chef and a
masseuse available 24/7.
The staff arrives, wheeling in several racks of clothes:
daywear, sportswear, racing uniforms and stylish evening
wear.
Gennie holds up one of the suit to Speed.
GENNIE
Should be perfect. Try it on.
TRIXIE
Mmm hmm!
SPEED
.okay.
He heads to the bathroom.
Taking Mom by the elbow, Remmington gestures to the
sitting area over-looking Cosmopolis.
REMMINGTON
So Mrs. Racer, what do you think
about my family? Impressed?
MOM
You could say that.
40.
CONTINUED:
REMMINGTON
Good. I want you to understand the
possibilities that exist for your
son right now.
Pops furrows his brow.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
What's wrong Mr. Racer?
POPS
To be honest, Remmington, I'm
feeling more intimidated than
impressed. This kind of company
scares me. People like you have
way too much money and when
someone has this kind of money,
they start thinking that the rules
everyone else is playing by don't
mean squat to them.
Remmington remains skillfully unfazed.
POPS (CONT'D)
However, my sons are the most
important thing I've ever done in
my life, besides marrying my best
friend and if Speed wants us to
figure out some kind of...
"alliance" then you can bet your
ass we'll be in business.
Speed steps out of the bathroom. His boyishness has faded
away as he suddenly seems very much a man. Gennie smile
approvingly.
TRIXIE
Hubba hubba.
He walks over to the sitting area.
MOM
Oh honey, you looks so handsome.
SPEED
Yeah?
REMMINGTON
Very sharp, Speed. Suits you
perfectly. Regardless of what
happens, I want you to have all of
it. A gift.
41.
CONTINUED: (2)
SPEED
Thanks, Mr. Remmington.
REMMINGTON
So, how are you feeling Speed?
Speed isn't sure. He looks at Trixie and Sparky and then
at his parents.
SPEED
It's very... impressive.
Remmington smiles.
REMMINGTON
You think that maybe there's
something that could work out
here?
Everyone waits, staring at him.
SPEED
I guess I'd like to think about
it, if I .could.
has really
Remmington's a fisherman not sure if the hook
been set.
REMMINGTON
This isn't the kind of offer I go
around making ever day, son.
SPEED
I understand that, sir...
He looks to Pops then takes a deep breath as though
trying to find his resolve.
SPEED (CONT'D)
So if I had to give an answer now
then, to be honest--
REMMINGTON
Stop. Right there. You're right.
You should think about it. I'm
sure you're feeling a bit
overwhelmed. You should take a
little time. Think about what you
saw and heard here and we'll get
together early next week. Deal?
He reaches his hand out and Speed takes it with some
obvious relief.
42.
CONTINUED: (3)
SPEED
Deal.
INT. CRUNCHER BLOCK'S OFFICE
WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! A thug soundly slaps the face ofa
handsome Japanese man.
When the beating is over, the Japanese man slumps
forward, his arms behind his back.
CRUNCHER
Ithought we had a deal...
When he hears the voice, he lifts his head and we see a
huge man with a body like a cement-lined safe, sitting
behind a desk, lighting a cigar.
This well-dressed fixer is Cruncher Block.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
I thought we were friends.
He blows a cloud of smoke and watches it float up to the
chandelier which is jiggling steadily.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
Maybe where you come from, this is
how you treat your friends, but
'round here we don't take to
kindly to this kind of thing, do
we fellas?
Thug #1 steps in and wails away on him again.
THUG #1
You hurt our feelings!
CRUNCHER
Problem is, I like you Katsu.
Cruncher grins, his teeth like stacked dice.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
And I got a real soft spot in my
heart for that sister of yours.
He begins opening a large package wrapped with butcher
paper. -Inside is a bloody rack of ribs.
43.
CONTINUED:
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
Normally in a situation such as
this we would be pouring you a
nice comfy pair of cement shoes,
but...
He stands and goes to the large glowing fish tank that is
behind the desk.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
I think I got another solution..
He dips the bloody meat into the tank filled with
piranha. The water foams as the carnivorous fish shred
flesh from bone.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
How're my babies doing? Huh?
Hungry? Ready for seconds? Boys!
They grab Katsu and haul him to the fishtank.
KATSU
No!
THUG #2
Hope dem fishes like Japanese.
KATSU
No, please!
THUG #1
Gonna be hard to drive with
skellie hands.
Cruncher takes hold of Katsu's jaw.
CRUNCHER
You even think about turning rat
and next time it's your sister
going in there.
A
They begin forcing his hand into the tank when suddenly
red light begins flashing.
Everyone freezes.
Cruncher grabs the phone on his desk.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
What?!
44.
INT.'TRUCK CAB
We realize that Cruncher's office is in the trailer of a
semi-truck which is cruising down an empty rural highway.
TRUCK DRIVER
Someone's tailing us.
INT. CRUNCHER BLOCK'S OFFICE
Cruncher signals to the man at the far end of the room
who is guarding the door. The guard slides open a peek-a-
boo slot and sees a pair of headlights.
CRUNCHER
is it him?
DOOR GUARD
It could be.
Cruncher goes to the phone.
CRUNCHER
Can you see him yet?
TRUCK DRIVER
Here he comes--
The car pulls up even with the cab and the driver feels
his gut clench as he recognizes the infamous car of Racer
X.
TRUCK DRIVER (CONT'D)
Oh God...
CRUNCHER
Get him!
Everyone leaps into action, shoving Katsu back into a
chair. Filling their fists with guns, sliding open murder
holes slots at a variety of heights. Cruncher barks into
the phone.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
Crush him!
INT. TRUCK CAB
The driver screws his jaw tight and throws the wheel to
smash into the smaller car--
45.
CONTINUED:
But the little black tinted bug flits away with
effortless ease, dancing out in front of the truck.
INT. CRUNCHER BLOCK'S OFFICE
Cruncher flips over the top of his desk revealing the
controls for a mini-machine gun located on the bottom of
the truck.
He grabs the controls which are linked to an infrared
sighting camera.
CRUNCHER
Where is he?
INT. TRUCK CAB
The driver watches the red tail-lights glowing like demon
eyes.
TRUCK DRIVER
He's out front.
INT. CRUNCHER BLOCK'S OFFICE
Cruncher, hits another button and he front grill of the
truck opens, dropping the lower half like the double-
hinged jaw of a snake.
An Apache helicopter-style rocket launcher thrusts out of
the darkness.
Cruncher sights the car.
CRUNCHER
Gotcha.
He fires a mini-rocket straight at the manta-finned car--
But with a quick feint left the rocket skims by,
exploding further down the highway.
Something flashes on the back car as hidden tubes iris
open and the barrels of several weapons extend out.
TRUCK DRIVER
Here he comes!
Cruncher fires again, the red rocket just missing,
rending open the tree line with a fireball.
46.
CONTINUED:
The little car drops back alongside the truck and fires,
bullets bursting tires and puncturing through the walls
of the truck. The truck lurches as the thugs fire wildly
at the black car.
Cruncher tries to site the machine gun but just as he
opens fire--
The black car slows, drawing the chasing gun fire until
Cruncher shoots his own tires.
CRUNCHER
Aww, I thought you fixed that!
The black car fires again, bullets ricocheting inside,
puncturing a hole in the fish tank.
THUG #1
Boss!
CRUNCHER
My babies!
He runs to the fish tank and tries to stop the water
pouring out of the hole. He sticks his finger in and the
fish immediately attack.
He shrieks withdrawing his finger.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
Vinny put your finger in there!
Vinny doesn't want to.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
Do it!
INT. TRUCK CAB
The truck swerves as the driver struggles to control the
behemoth wobbling on its blown tires.
TRUCK DRIVER
We can't take another hit boss!
INT. CRUNCHER BLOCK'S OFFICE
Cruncher thinks fast over Vinny's screams. He looks at
Katsu and immediately knows what he has to do.
47.
CONTINUED:
CRUNCHER
Pull over but don't stop.
EXT. LONELY HIGHWAY
The truck slows, easing onto the shoulder as the black
car follows.
The back of the truck slides up and the gangsters toss
Katsu out, leaving him behind with a spray of gravel.
Katsu looks up into the glaring lights of the black car.
A car door opens. Boots crunch gravel as someone walks
toward us silhouetted by car lights. It is the masked
racer himself---
Racer x.
INT. RACER X'S CAR
Katsu is in the passenger seat as the car hums quietly
down the empty highway.
KATSU
Thank you. You saved my life.
RACER X
I didn't save anything worth
saving unless you get smart. Real
fast.
Racer talks without looking at him.
RACER X (CONT'D)
You thought you could take on the
Cartel. You can't. Not without
help.
KATSU
I don't know what'you're talking
about.
RACER X
You won the Cortex Invitational
and you weren't supposed to. You
did it to save Okamoto
Engineering.
KATSU
It has belonged to my family for
five generations.
48.
CONTINUED:
RACER X
And now someone else wants it. The
only way you can stop it from
happening is to talk to the
authorities.
KATSU
There is nothing to talk about.
RACER X
You have been on cruncher Block's
leash for.so long maybe you forgot
how it feels to stand up and be a
man. The only way you'll ever stop
these people is to bring them to
justice.
KATSU
Justice/ That's a commodity I
don't waste money on.
Racer X immediately pulls his car over.
RACER X
Get out.
Wearing his smirk like a cheap suit, Katsu gets out.
KATSU
I'll see you at Fuji.
RACER X
You won't finish. When you lose,
if you can still dial a phone,
call this number.
He hands him a card. The card reads; CHIEF INSPECTOR
DETECTOR.
INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM
KID
Sprittle is working hard on a test when he hears the
behind him whisper.
DANNY
Hey monkey-lover, show me your
test or I'll kick your ass after
school.
SPRITTLE
Sorry. Cheaters never prosper.
The kid to the left chimes in.
49.
CONTINUED:
MALCOM
Spriiiitle, when Chim-chim's bad,
do you spank the monkey?
SPRITTLE
No, your mother does it for me.
Malcom almost swallows his tongue as several other kids
snicker..
TEACHER
All right! Malcom! Danny!
Sprittle! To the Principal's
office. March!
There is a chorus of, "I didn't do it, awwww, not fair."
TEACHER (CONT'D)
Now!
EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
The same school that Speed attended but now where Rex
used to wait, Speed is leaning against the Mach-5. Chim-
chim is sitting next to him.
The bell rings and the students begin piling out. When
the last few tumble down the stairs, Chim-chim emits a
small, sad whine.
SPEED
Looks like someone's in trouble
again.
INT. MACH 5
It's later and they're driving home. Sprittle stares out
the window, mumbling, identifying make, model, and
engines of passing cars.
SPEED
Want to talk about it?
Sprittle shakes his head.
SPRITTLE
K-W Integral 4-door with twin-cam
turbine...C-foster-K 1200,
modified split-rail and
supershocks...
50.
CONTINUED:
SPEED
Was it that Stanton kid again? Did
he say something? If you want to
kick his butt--?
He shakes his head again.
SPRITTLE
.it doesn't seem fair that I get
in trouble, when they always start
it.
SPEED
It's not fair. But that's what
bullies do. They make the world
unfair.
SPRITTLE
That sucks.
SPEED
Yes, it does.
SPRITTLE
What can I do about it?
SPEED
You ignore 'em when you can, fight
'em when you can't.
SPRITTLE
Those choices suck too.
SPEED
Yeah, but just try to keep one
thing in mind.
SPRITTLE
What?
SPEED
Bullies come and go but a family
can torture you forever.
Chim-chim gives Sprittle a wet-willy.
SPRITTLE
Heeeeeey!
Speed laughs as Chim-chim howls and then puts his arm
around Sprittle.
51.
CONTINUED: (2)
SPEED
But no joke, you just say the
word, little brother and we got
your back, right Chim-chim?
Chim-chim grunts.
SPRITTLE
Thanks guys.
INT. REMMINGTON INDUSTRIES T-180 FACTORY
Remmington watches a GRX rolling off the assembly line.
With him is Mr. Mushi, a businessman with eyes as sharp
as broken glass.
REMMINGTON
The new GRX has a super charged
inner-positive transporter and
will be capable of speeds in
excess off 800 kilometers an hour.
Mushi nods.
MUSHI
If such a car were to win the
Grand Prix this year, one would
expect the demand for transponders
to increase dramatically.
REMMINGTON
One would expect.
MUSHI
And if a single company gained
control of all the transponder
foundries in the world, one might
expect that company to do very
well for itself.
REMMINGTON
You know what I want and I know
that for the last few years you
have been trying to buy out your
main rival Tetsua Okamoto. The
question is, can we make a deal?
The car rotates, rising up on its mechanical arm, a
cybernetic giant, exercising its might.
52.
CONTINUED:
MUSHI
Deliver Okamoto at that price and
the Taiobi Transponder foundry is
yours.
REMMINGTON
Done.
Remington smiles as they shake hands.
INT. MACH 5
Speed and Trixie lie with seats all the way back,
CAR-
watching the sinking sun tye-dye the sky behind the
scape of freeways.
TRIXIE
You're really considering signing
with Remmington.
SPEED
I just said it was tempting.
TRIXIE
Why?
SPEED
Well, they got a really good team..
Cannonball Taylor, Markie
Manifold. They win a lot of
Majors.
TRIXIE
Since when did winning become so
important?
SPEED
It is important. You gotta win if
you want to keep driving and that's
what I want to do. It's the only
thing I really know how to do. When
I'm driving, I feel like that's the
only time my life makes sense.
She moves closer to him.
TRIXIE
You mean, this doesn't make sense
to you?
SPEED
Okay, besides being with you.
53.
CONTINUED:
TRIXIE
So you like being with me?
SPEED
You know I do.
TRIXIE
Sometimes I do, sometimes I'm not
so sure.
SPEED
What?
TRIXIE
Sometimes around your family, you
seem distant, not like this and I
wonder why.
SPEED
Come on, you know how I've felt
about you since I was ten years
old.
TRIXIE
I guess so, I just wish you
weren't so shy about it.
SPEED
What do you want me to do? Kiss
you in front of everyone at the
end of a big race?
TRIXIE
Would that be so terrible?
SPEED
I don't know. Maybe we should
practice first.
TRIXIE
Maybe we should.
They start to kiss when they hear a muted voice.
SPRITTLE
Oh God! I'm gonna hurl! Huuuurrrl!
TRIXIE
Sprittle?
SPEED
No!
54.
CONTINUED: (2)
Speed jumps out of the car.
SPEED (CONT'D)
He did not!
He throws open the trunk, revealing Sprittle and Chim-chim
who shrieks.
SPEED (CONT'D)
Sprittle!
SPRITTLE
It wasn't my idea!
SPEED
Oh no?
SPRITTLE
It was his!
He points at Chim-chim who shakes his head wildly, pointing
back at Sprittle.
TRIXIE
Wait till we tell Pops.
SPRITTLE
No! Don't do that! We're sorry. We
couldn't sleep. We just wanted to
hang out. We didn't know you were
going to In-spew-ration Point. By
the way, Cootie-shots.
Sprittle and Chim-chim immediately cover one shoulder
giving themselves a cootie-shot.
SPEED
I'm taking you home.
SPRITTLE
Wait, wait, wait--
Speed slams•the trunk shut so we hear Sprittle voice muffled
SPRITTLE (CONT'D)
Can we stop for ice cream first?
INT. RACER GARAGE
Close on a curving piece of bodywork that Pops is
sanding. When he looks up, Speed is in the room.
55.
CONTINUED:
He is carrying a brown paper sack.
POPS
Morning, Speed.
SPEED
Pops.
POPS
So, today's the big day.
Speed nods. Pops puts down his tools.
POPS (CONT'D)
I know this is a tremendous
opportunity for you.
SPEED
It could be for you too.
POPS
Could be, could be. But,
regardless, this is really all
about you. It' your decision and I
want you to know, no matter what
you decide, I'm behind you.
SPEED
Thanks, Pops.
The room begins to shake.
POPS
I think your ride's here.
INT. K--HARRIER
LIKE
Speed stares out the window, chewing on his decision
a dog worrying a bone.
INT. REMMINGTON INDUSTRIES LANDING DOCK
IS
Gennie greets Speed as he debarks from the plane. He
carrying his brown sack.
56.
CONTINUED:
GENNIE
Speed, so nice to see you again.
Her,eyes and the softness of her touch elevate flirting
to something that is equal parts art and science.
GENNIE (CONT'D)
Mr. Remmington is so excited about
this meeting. He hasn't talked
about anything else all week.
Speed sighs.
INT. K-HARRIER
The cabin is dark and still. Slowly, almost supernaturally,
a drawer begins to slide open.
Two heads pop up. Sprittle and Chim-chim are wearing cat-
burglar clothes with matching ski-masks.
The coast is clear, so they sneak over to the galley.
They stare at the drawer like a safe-cracker eyeing the
dial of a combination lock.
Sprittle carefully pulls back the latch springing the drawer.
It slides open, lit internally, candy gleaming like jewels.
The breath rushes out of them.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
The office sits atop the strata-scraper, surrounded by
commanding views of Cosmopolis.
Speed arrives via the elevator and Remmington breaks into
a beaming. smile.
REMMINGTON
Speed!
Gennie leaves speed, returning to the elevator, as
Remmington crosses to him.
He hugs him
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Welcome back! Come. Sit. Sit.
57.
CONTINUED:
In the center of the room is a small cluster of extremely
comfortable chairs in which they sit.
Above them a multifaceted skylight glitters like a cut
gem under the streaming rays of sunlight. In the center
of the sky light is the R.I. Logo casting a great shadow
on the floor.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Can I get you something to drink?
Water? Bubbly? A shot of rye?
Speed smiles sheepishly.
SPEED
No... I'm okay.
REMMINGTON
So, I can see you have given some
serious thought to this thing.
SPEED
I have, yes sir.
REMMINGTON
Good. That means that you
understand that we are talking
about not just your future, but
your family's future.
SPEED
.my family means a lot to me.
REMMINGTON
I know. I can tell. That's why
this is so important. Because you
can help them. All you have to say
is yes. That is all I need to hear
and I can make so many things
happen for you, and your family.
Are you ready for that? Are you
ready to say yes, Speed?
INT. K-HARRIER
Candy wrappers are scattered everywhere as they lay
motionless in an overdose coma.
When they hear someone coming Sprittle manages to lift
his head and crawl to the window.
58.
CONTINUED:
A cleaning man is rising up on a cherry picker with a
cart full of cleaning supplies.
SPRITTLE
Uh-oh.
He looks back at their mess.
SPRITTLE (CONT'D)
jig's up.
A moment later the door opens and the cleaning man enters..
CLEANING MAN
Holy cooly:
He grabs for his radio.
CLEANING MAN (CONT'D)
Hey, this is Marvin down at the
landing pad. I think we got mice
again.
As he talks, two shadows slip quietly out the door behind
him.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
Speed realizes that this is the threshold.
SPEED
This isn't an easy decision for
me, Mr. Remmington. For my family,
racing is everything. We eat,
drink, think and breathe racing.
There is nothing more perfect than
a picnic at Thunderhead. I mean, I
was taught to drive before I could
walk. But when my brother died,
all that went away. I can't tell
you how painful that was. It
nearly killed all of us.
Especially Pops. He didn't set
foot in his shop for over a year.
As the memory comes to life, we see the images in flashback.
59.
CONTINUED:
SPEED (CONT'D)
But one night when I was still
pretty young. I couldn't sleep and
I went into the living room and
there was Pops, in his beat up
robe, watching some old race
recordings.
The blue tv light of Speed's memory fills his eyes.
SPEED (CONT'D)
So I sat with him watching of Ben
Burns coming round the last turn
of he '43 Prix and all of a sudden
Pops started screaming, and then I
started screaming, and as Burns
and Dugazi duked it out, heading
for the finish, we were cheering
our heads off and the second the
black and white came down, we
looked at each other and right
there we realized the naked truth;
racing is in our blood.
Flashback ends.
SPEED (CONT'D)
But for Pops, it isn't just a
sport. It's way more important
than that. It's like a religion
and in our house, the Major
Sponsors are kinda like the devil.
The coldness in Remmington's eyes belies his smile.
SPEED (CONT'D)
I don't mean to offend you sir and
I do appreciate your offer, it's
just, I guess I understand his
-point of view and after all we've
been through, I don't think this
kind of deal is for me.
Remmington chuckles.
REMMINGTON
You poor, naive, chump.
He chuckles again.
60.
CONTINUED: (2)
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
I'm going to pretend I didn't hear
that load of sickening schmaltz
and I am going to give you a bit
of an education. At the end of it
if you're smart, you'll thank me
and hen you'll sign that contract.
INT. TRAMWAY
Sprittle and Chim-chim are joy riding in the maintenance
cart, weaving back an forth, wiping people out.
Chim-chim screams with glee.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
They stand before an enlarged black and white photograph
of five tycoons, smoking cigars, dressed in turn of the
century tycoon finery, their well-fed faces bright with
fatuous, self-satisfied smiles.
REMMINGTON
Look. There is the true spirit of
the golden age of racing. Benjamin
Braddack, Diamond Dave Tweksbury,
Reginald White, Oliver Potter, and
George Wheeler. The five most
powerful men in the world at the
turn of the last century.
As he talks we flash back to jittery old footage and
photographs of the golden era.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
For all intensive purposes they
created the modern automotive
industry. But the true stroke of
their genius was the invention of
the WRL, the world's first racing
league.
Remmington leads Speed past several personal mementos
including the first motor of his first car, the first
milk bottle from victory lane,.a black and white from an
important race.
In front of an enlarged picture of Ben Burns from the
infamous '43 Prix is a twisted and scorched piece of
metal set on a pedestal like a gorgeous piece of art.
61.
CONTINUED:
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Interesting that you and your
father were so moved by the '43
Prix. One of the great finishes in
the history of racing, right?
Everyone remembers Burns and
Dugazi slugging it out, but who
remembers Carl Potts? Driving a
rebuilt Wittigan for Iodyne .
Industries, Potts spun out in the
second lap and went down as a DNF.
A forgettable and pathetic finish.
So bad, that afterwards Iodyne
stock dropped six points.
Again we see the history told in flashback.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Meanwhile, Ben Burns sat guzzling
cold fresh milk in victory lane, a
thousand cameras taking his
picture, Sirrus Aeronautics saw
almost a twelve point gain which
immediately block Penninsula Power
Cell from being able to afford the
price of a complete take-over.
This put Joel Goldman, the CEO of
Iodyne Inc. in the exact position
he wanted to be in. By first
buying controlling interest in his
own company at a devalued price,
he then brokered a merger with
Sirrus that immediately sent
Iodyne into the gains record book--
the only record book that matters.
Look out that window, there isn't
a single plane or helicopter or K-
Harrier that isn't powered by
Iodyne fuel cells. That's what
racing is about. It has nothing to
do with cars, or drivers. All that
matters is power and the
unassailable might of money.
His greed is as tangible as any drug.
INT. TRAMWAY
A security guard glides out of one of the red secured
area doors on a segway.
62.
CONTINUED:
His radio buzzes "perps last seen tramway four, driving a
maintenance cart."
The doors start to close when Sprittle and Chim-chim jump
out and sneak inside.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
Speed doesn't want to hear any more of this, but,
Remmington is far from done.
REMMINGTON
Do you understand? Burns knew he
was going to win. It was already
decided. A week before the Prix,
Goldman and Sirrus met with
several other major players at the
Carlyle Hotel. They met there as
they had for years, just as their
fathers had met, and as their sons
and heirs will still meet. They
met to negotiate the finish order
of the Grand Prix. No race is more
important and no race is more
controlled. That year Goldman was
supposed to win, but he knew if he
sold his win to Sirrus, whatever
that win might be worth, was
nothing compared to what could be
gained.
He turns back to the twisted piece of crash metal.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
That's why I paid three million
dollars for this burnt and twisted
piece of metal. Because it reminds
me of what really matters. This is
the true heart of racing boy! This
is my religion!
Speed is aghast.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
You don't know how many times I
have seen that same cow-eyed "say
it isn't so" look of disbelief.
Every bumpkin who comes in from
the sticks looks exactly like you
do now. I won't bother proving it
to you.
63.
CONTINUED:
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
If you walk away from me, if you
walk out of.this deal, you'll know
how true it is soon enough. So,
last chance. What's it going to
be, Speed? Your father's little
fantasy bubble? Or are you going
to join the rest of us adults,
here in reality?
INT. TRAMWAY
Several technician carts and trollies carrying auto parts
pass by a single lab technician who staggers, drunkenly
up to a red restricted area window.
Sprittle peaks out of the lower half of the lab coat,
Chim-chim wearing the helmet, balances on his shoulder.
In the window they see a lab where they are testing a
"spear---hook;" a secret attacking device that shoots out
from one car and grabs hold of the undercarriage of
another car.
As they realize what they are looking at, a security goon
comes gliding up behind them on his seg-way.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
Speed hands him the brown paper bag.
REMMINGTON
What's this?
He looks and sees the shoes and suit.
SPEED
If that's your idea of racing, you
can keep it.
REMMINGTON
Listen to me and listen good kid,
because I'm going to give you one
more history lesson. You're going
to go to Fuji--
In quick, collage cuts we see --
64.
EXT. FUJI HELEXICON
A gorgeous blimp shot of the race track which takes up an
entire island of Hawaii-like archipelago.
The track weaves in and out of the lush tropical
landscape set against the ocean shimmering with sequins
of sunlight.
EXT. STARTING LINE
Speed grips the steering wheel, revving the engine which
rattles the car like thunder shaking the sky as-- The
countdown finishes and as the cars explode forward, we
cut back--
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
REMMINGTON
But you won't win. You won't
place.
More collage cuts--
INT. FUJI ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
FUJI ANNOUNCER
Speed Racer's making his move,
gunning for the lead--
EXT. HELEXICON TRACK
The Ghost sees Speed rushing up behind him.
GRAY GHOST
We got ourselves a real race here!
The two cars start dancing around each other; like two
boxers sizing each other up.
GRAY GHOST (CONT'D)
Here we go, here we go.
Wham. Ghost throws the first punch which Speed tries to
slip but, the Ghost anticipates his move and slams Speed
hard.
65.
CONTINUED:
GRAY GHOST (CONT'D)
Come on! Show me something! Show
me what you got!
Speed ducks down the bank, working each wheel into a
hyper drift, reversing their position--
Locking the Ghost up and sending both cars spinning.
GRAY GHOST (CONT'D)
Ohhhh yeah! Yeeeeeahhhhh!
INT. FUJI ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
FUJI ANNOUNCER
The Gray Ghost unloads a round-
house, Speed counters, smashing,
banging, bumping-
EXT. HELEXICON TRACK
Weaving back and fourth behind Speed, the Gray Ghost
attacks with phantom punches that come out of nowhere.
GRAY GHOST
Here I come, kid! Watch out. Here
I am! Nope--I'm over here!
Wham! Wham! Speed tries to counter punch and the Ghost
slips under.
GRAY GHOST (CONT'D)
You can't.touch me! I'm here! I'm
gone!
Speed is thrown back into the pack of cars that quickly
swallow him up where he is--
Crunched into the wall by the Zokeo Communications car,
pinned until--
Racer X slams into the Zokeo car, freeing Speed but
causing several cars tp swerve wildly at which point--
The Three Roses car torpedoes Katsu's car--
Bursting into a blizzard of metal snowflakes while--
66.
INT. LUXURY BOOTH
Horuko jumps up, terrified for her brother as--
EXT. HELEXICON TRACK
Racer X roars past the debris and the bouncing rubber
cocoons.
EXT. UPPER BOX GRAND STANDS
Cruncher accepts the congratulations of the goon beside
him.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
REMMINGTON DRIVER
I guarantee you right now, you
won't even finish the race.
EXT. HELEXICON TRACK
Another molar-cracking hit as Speed avoids the concrete,
pylon but is then slammed by the Zokeo car--
Underneath both cars, a spear-hook shoots out from a
hidden sleeve, harpooning the under-carriage of the Mach
5--
SPARKY
Speed, get out of there!
SPEED
I can't! I can't move!
The two cars head toward the final jump, locked in some
strange embrace--
They lunge awkwardly, crashing on top of one another as--
Inside Speed's car, his face plate seals and the kwiksave-
foam explodes, swallowing him, as the car tumbles--
Disintegrating into a cloud of smoke and glittering
debris.
67.
EXT. GRANDSTANDS
The Racer family is frozen. Their faces awash with fear
and disappointment while--
INT. HELEXICON PENTHOUSE
Remmington eases back, a fatuous, self-satisfied smile
spreading with a crocodile's grace.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
REMMINGTON
Soon after that there will be
litigation against some of your
father's designs.
EXT. RACER HOUSE
It is pouring rain as a large cab pulls up to drop off
the entire Racer family still wearing their island
clothes.
A dour-faced man beneath an umbrella is waiting for them.
DOUR FACE
Are you Pops Racer of Racer Motors-
POPS
Yeah, but I'm still on vacation-
DOUR FACE
You are hereby served a summons.
POPS
What?
DOUR FACE
You are being sued for IP
infringement by Janus Automakers.
SPEED
That's ridiculous!
DOUR FACE
That's for a jury to decide.
68.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
REMMINGTON
The legitimacy of the lawsuits
won't matter. They will be enough
to discredit his company. Whatever
contracts he has, he'll lose.
Within a year he will be filing
for bankruptcy. After that, you
and the rest of your pathetic
family will be history.
The threat hangs in the air like a loaded gun between
them.
SPEED
Pops was right. You are the devil.
The elevator suddenly opens with the security goon
carrying Sprittle and Chim-chim by the scruff of their
necks.
SPRITTLE
Speed!
SPEED
Sprittle?
SECURITY GOON
Mr. Remmington I caught these two
snooping in a restricted area.
REMMINGTON DRIVER
Get this Racer trash out of my
building.
SPEED
I'll see you at Fuji.
Speed turns and heads for the elevator.
REMMINGTON DRIVER
Yes and then you'll realize that
you just made the biggest mistake
of your life!
TNT. RACER KITCHEN -MORNING
Close up on The Racing News that Sparky is reading from.
The main headline: ANOTHER DIRTY RACER?
69.
CONTINUED:
SPARKY
". .controversy surrounds Racer
Motors now embroiled in IP
litigation and while evidence
remains inconclusive whether or
not Speed used an illegal device,
the Fuji Helexicon seems destined
to become another mark of shame
added to the notorious Racer
family legacy, a legacy that has
forever tainted the integrity of
this beloved sport."
MOM
Sparky. That's enough.
SPARKY
Sorry ma'am.
SPRITTLE
I'm going to send that guy some
Chim-chim cookies.
Chim-chim guffaws.
POPS
You'll do no such thing.
SPRITTLE
We gotta do something, Pops.
Speed steps into the doorway.
SPEED
This is exactly what he said would
happen if I didn't drive for him.
SPARKY
You mean Remmington?
SPEED
He said it'd get worse and worse
and by the end of the year you'd
be filing for bankruptcy, Pops.
SPRITTLE
Okay, he's definitely gettin' some
monkey cookies.
MOM
Sprittle!
70.
CONTINUED: (2
POPS
He was just trying to scare you,
son. They tried the same thing
with Rex. If it's a fight they
want, it's a fight they'll get.
SPEED
How? What can we do? How can we
fight this?
He tosses the newspaper.
POPS
The truth will come out.
SPEED
The truth? Don't be naive, Pops.
He leaves.
INT. SPEED'S ROOM
The Ben Burns poster is ripped from the wall. Speed wads
its up and throws it into the garbage.
He sinks down to his bed, a sense of powerlessness
crushing the life out of him.
Mom taps and then cracks the door.
MOM
Speed? Are you okay?
SPEED
.I don't know.
She comes in and sits beside him, putting her arm around
him.
MOM
It'll be okay. We'll get through
it.
SPEED
I don't know, mom. I might have
really messed things up.
MOM
How?
SPEED
By not joining Remmington.
71.
CONTINUED:
MOM
Don't be silly. You'd have never
been happy driving for that
terrible man.
SPEED
But maybe racing isn't about being
happy. Maybe Remmington's right
and it's all about business and
anyone who doesn't understand that
is just a chump.
MOM
Now you listen to me, young man.
What you do behind the wheel of a
racecar has nothing to do with
business. Before you could even
talk, you were making noises that
sounded like a car engine. We
used to tell people you were
speaking car-ese. We used to try
to take you to the park but you
never wanted to get out of the
car.
SPEED
.I loved that old wagon.
MOM
And do you remember the time Rex
took you out to Thunderhead and
let you drive--
Speed smiles.
SPEED
And I turned it over.
MOM
My heart still pounds just
thinking about it.
SPEED
Rex told me the only reason we
survived was because I was wearing
red socks.
MOM
I thought your father was going to
have a stroke when you walked in
the door with that crazy smile.
72.
INT. RACER LIVING ROOM - PAST
Ten year old Speed comes in the door, leading Rex,
wearing a small bandage on his forehead, smiling, a big
black gap where his two front teeth should be.
MOM
I don't think I ever saw you as
happy as you were telling anybody
who asked, how you lost your two
front teeth in your first crash.
INT. SPEED'S ROOM - PRESENT
MOM
Speed, when I watch you do some of
the things you do, I feel like I'm
watching someone paint or play
music. When I go to the races, I
go to watch you make art and it's
beautiful and inspiring and
everything that art should be,
even though there are times when I
have to close my eyes. But then
there are other times, when you
just take my breath away and it's
at those moments, when I feel your
father's chest swell and I know
he's smiling, trying to pretend he
doesn't have tears in his eyes, I
just go to pieces.
SPEED
Why?
MOM
Because I am so impossibly proud
to be your mother. And even
though your father doesn't say it,
he is too.
She puts her arms around him.
MOM (CONT'D)
Don't worry. We'll figure this
out. We just have to stick
together. Something good will
happen. You'll see.
Ding dong. The front doorbell chimes.
73.
INT. RACER LIVING ROOM - DAY
Sprittle opens the door revealing Inspector Detector of
the Corporate Investigation Bureau who looks older and
harder than when we saw him in the flashbacks
Behind him is Racer X.
Sprittle sees the masked racer and screams.
Chim-Chim screams. They look at each other screaming and
then slam the door.
They begin running around, flailing like Chicken Little,
waving their arms in panic.
SPRITTLE
RACER HEX! THE HARBINGER OF BOOM!
RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!
Popsstorms into the room.
POPS
What are you two squawking about?
They dive behind the couch but peek out as Pops heads for
the door.
SPRITTLE
Pops, whatever you do, don't open
the door!
EXT. RACER HOUSE
Racer X doesn't like it.
RACER X
This is a bad idea.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
If it was any other driver, you'd
be here.
Popsopens the door and Racer X sets his jaw.
POPS
Inspector Detector?
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
Good morning, Mr.. Racer. I know
it's been a long time--
74.
CONTINUED:
He extends his hand and Pop shakes it.
POPS
Ten years.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
Yes. I'm sorry for this
intrusion, but I was hoping to
have a word with you and Speed.
Pops eyes the masked racer.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR (CONT'D)
It's important.
INT. RACER LIVING ROOM - DAY
Mom serves coffee and cookies.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
We've been after Remmington for
years for dozens of capital
corporate crimes including WRL
fixing but we haven't had the
evidence we need to convict him.
Until now.
Sprittle and Chim-chim peek up from behind the couch as
Mom offers the masked racer a cup of coffee.
MOM
Here you are, Mr. X.
Sprittle points at Racer X.
SPRITTLE
What's he doing here?
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
Racer X works closely with our WRL
corporate crimes division, helping
us recruit drivers like you,
Speed. Most of the media, which
you are now seeing is controlled
by the Major Sponsors and they
have done their best to paint him
as a menace to the sport. The
truth is he's our most valuable
weapon against these villains.
SPEEED
Why does he always wear that mask?
75.
CONTINUED:
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
If any of, you actually knew his
identity, you would become targets
for his enemies which include some
of the most vicious Fixers in the
world.
Gulp. They both sink back down behind the couch.
SPEED
What do you want with me?
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
You're familiar with the driver
Katsu Okamoto?
SPEED
Of course.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
For years he has been contracted
by a Fixer named Cruncher Block
who we know works for Remmington.
Recently, Katsu has been forced to
lose races that have led to a
droop in the stock price of
Okamoto Engineering. We believe
this is a part of a corporate
strategy to allow Mushi motors to
buy control of Okamoto. Katsu
doesn't want this to happen and he
began resisting, thinking.that he
could do it on his own. After
Fuji, he realized he needed help.
POPS
,Why help him?
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
Because he has a file with enough
information to connect Block to
Remmington which could put both of
them behind bars for the rest of
their lives. The problem is, he
won't give us the file unless we
help him stop the take over of his
family's company.
SPEED
How?
76.
CONTINUED: (2)
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
There is an up-coming race that
Katsu believes if he can win, it
will catapult Okamoto Engineering
back into the spotlight and double
the cost of the buy out which
should kill it.
SPEED
But there aren't any more races
left except for the Grand Prix and
we both failed to qualify.
Inspector takes a big breath.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
There aren't any track races.
This is a cross-country rally.
SPARKY
You mean The Crucible?
POPS
What?!
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
I know it seems cruel of me to
ask, but Katsu made it clear that
he had to have Speed an X on his
team or there would be no deal.
POPS
Absolutely out of the question.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
You'll have the support of the
entire C.I.B--
POPS
No! Rally racing is a back alley
sport full of jackals, head-
hunters and thugs! I'm sorry,
Inspector but I lost one son to
that death-trap. I won't lose
another.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
I understand. If you change your
MIND--
He starts to take out his card.
POPS
Keep your card, Chief Inspector.
77.
CONTINUED: (3)
Speed looks at Pops, then realizes that Racer X is
staring straight at him.
EXT. INSPIRATION POINT - NIGHT
It is raining, the cockpit bubble smeared with the
distant traffic lights.
SPEED
And the way he was looking at me,
I don't know...I just gotta do
something.
TRIXIE
But Pops will never let you go.
SPEED
He won't if I ask him.
TRIXIE
Speed Racer what are you thinking?
SPEED
You weren't in Remmington's
office, Trix. You don't know what
it was like. It felt as though he
had his hand inside my chest and
he was trying to crush everything
in my life that mattered to me.
TRIXIE
I hate him. I'm picturing his
heart clogging with cholesterol
right now.
SPEED
No joke, Trix. If you could have
been in that room, you'd want to
do anything you could to take this
guy down.
She looks straight into his eyes and he doesn't have to
say anything else.
TRIXIE
All right. Let's do it. You're
going to need an alibi. We'll say
we're going skiing.
SPEED
What? No way!
78.
CONTINUED:
TRIXIE
You're going to need my help.
Casa Cristo is a rally. I can
spot from a 'copter.
SPEED
Trixie, this isn't a game. These
people play rough.
TRIXIE
I know. That's why I'm coming with
you. And if you even try to argue
with me, I'll tell Pops right now
and he won't let you out of his
sight.
SPEED
You would, wouldn't you?
He looks into her eyes and knows the answer.
SPEED (CONT'D)
Well...I guess we're going skiing.
She smiles.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
Remmington sits surrounded by the legal equivalent of
knights, bishops and rooks while Mr. Mushi sits across
from him supported by his own retinue.
Behind them, Cannonball Taylor blasts through the test
course fast enough to coax a low rumble from the sound
barrier.
REMMINGTON
As I'm sure you're aware, the
Okamoto stock fell another four
points yesterday. In the next few
days it will hit bottom and they
will have to sell.
The car roars through its elliptical path like a circling
electron binding the two tycoons together.
MUSHI
This could be a most profitable
year for Remmington.
Remmington can't hide the glow.
79.
CONTINUED:
REMMINGTON
Mushi won't do too badly either.
Mushi nods.
Cannonball circles, everything in apparent harmony until
Gennie leans in and whispers.
GENNIE.
I know this is terrible timing
sir, but I've just received
confirmation of several last
minute entries to the Casa Cristo
5000.
REMMINGTON
Who?
GENNIE
You're not going to like it.
INT. CASA CRISTO BLIMP
The two announcers beam into the camera.
ANNOUNCER
We're just minutes away from the
start of the 82nd annual Casa
Cristo Classic, the grand dame of
cross-country, the second oldest
rally race in the world, spanning
two continents, three climate
changes and five thousand
kilometers of the most winding and
treacherous roads ever raced.
Heturns to his colleague.
ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
With me again is five time Casa
Cristo champion, Johnny "Goodboy"
Jones.
JOHNNY
Always great to be here. Such a
beautiful city.
ANNOUNCER
One of the most romantic cities in
the world.
80.
INT. HOTEL
A bell man carefully unloads a cart. On top of the stack
of suitcases is a gold fish bowl with a single ugly
piranha.
Cruncher stands at the window balcony looking out over
the white-washed city.
BELLMAN
Is there anything else I can do
for you, sir?
CRUNCHER
Yeah ...I wanna send someone a
present.
INT. CASA CRISTO BLIMP
ANNOUNCER
Safety has been the primary
concern for Casa Cristo officials,
especially the last few years.
JOHNNY
That's right Bob. There were a
number of fatalities several years
ago. It really had a bad
reputation for a while.
ANNOUNCER
Fans started calling it "The
Crucible."
JOHNNY
Most of the T-180 drivers wouldn't
come near it.
ANNOUNCER
But you look today, we've got some
major names like Millie "the
mouse" Manno, Snake Oiler and
Katsu Okamoto as well as the young
rising star Speed Racer. Not to
mention, the shadow that seems to
hang over every major race these
days, the masked racer that some
fans call the Harbinger of Boom.
What's your take on Racer X?
81.
CONTINUED:
JOHNNY
Obviously he is an extremely
talented and disciplined driver.
ANNOUNCER
But is he a head hunter?
JOHNNY
I think he drives like he'is not
always interested in winning.
ANNOUNCER
Nuff' said.
JOHNNY
But remember Colton, these are
standard road cars, not T-180s. I
know a lot of T-180 drivers who I
raced against who expected to win
but found out racing a few laps on
a track is a totally different
animal than a cross-country rally.
ANNOUNCER
The marathon as opposed to the
sprint?
JOHNNY
Exactly. This isn't just about
going fast. It's about endurance.
More than anything, winning Casa
Cristo is a test of will.
INT. MACH 5
Speed grips his steering wheel like it was the handle of
a weapon.
INT. INSPECTOR'S OFFICE
Inspector extends his hand which Speed grips tightly.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
Speed, I want you to understand
how much the C.I.B. appreciates
your help on this.
SPEED
I'm not doing this to help C.I.B.
I don't know anything about
corporate crimes and honestly, if
I did, it wouldn't really matter.
(MORE)
82.
CONTINUED:
SPEED (CONT'D)
I'm doing this because someone is
trying to hurt my family and I'm
going to do everything I can to
hurt him back.
The masked racer is unable to mask his smile.
INT. CASA CRISTO BLIMP
ANNOUNCER
The reason.T-180 drivers have
always come to Casa Cristo is
because the winner is
automatically offered an
invitation to the Grand Prix next
week. A hold over from the days
when rally racing was far more
popular then track racing.
JOHNNY.
Gosh how things have changed.
INT. KATSU'S CAR
The leather of his gloves creak as he wrings his steering
wheel.
'INT. HOTEL SUITE
The doorbell rings and Katsu goes to it.
A hotel bellman surrounded by Katsu's bodyguards is
smiling.
SECURITY GUARD
He says it's for Horuko, from an
admirer.
Katsu looks at the ribboned box as the guard runs his
metal detector over it.
HORUKO
You see how we have to live?
He ignores her, turning away as she starts to open it.
She screams.
Inside the goldfish bowl the piranha shreds a piece of
meat that could be a finger, staining-the water red.
83.
INT. CASA CRISTO BLIMP
JOHNNY
To compete in this race, you
really have to have a killer
instinct. Any sign of weakness or
timidness is like blood in the
water and you'll see how fast this
race turns into a feeding frenzy.
INT. RACER X'S CAR
Racer X calmly checks his car's vitals as he revs his
engine.
INT. C.I.B. DESIGN LAB
Racer X leads Speed and Inspector Detector through the
lab to where Minx is working.
RACER X
We're going to need some insurance
for this race.
Minx clicks away at a keyboard while a digital Mach 5
rotates on a screen.
RACER X (CONT'D)
Minx builds my cars.
SPEED
Nice to meet ya.
She purrs in response.
Racer X nods and she uses the computer to illustrate her
modifications.
MINX
Their cars will probably be
equipped with secret weapons so we
have modified your car to try to
counter their attacks. The "A"
button will operate your normal
jump-jacks.
The Mach 5 flips over on the screen highlighting the
newly installed jump-jacks.
84.
CONTINUED:
MINX (CONT'D)
"B" will seal your cockpit, which
we've fortified with a bulletproof
polymer.
Gun-bots fire digital bullets at the Mach 5 which
ricochet off the blueprint glass.
MINX (CONT'D)
"C" will inflate an emergency
hexadyno spare after any blowout.
Avatar vandals slash the Mach 5's tires, which explode
then re-inflate.
MINX (CONT'D)
"D" will activate these zircon
tipped saw blades that will cut
through anything that tries to
attach itself to you.
The Mach 5 opens like a Swiss army knife.
MINX (CONT'D)
"E" will project the tire
crampons.
The image zooms in on the newly equipped cat-claw tires.
MINX (CONT'D)
And "F" will launch a remote
control homing bird that is
capable of transmitting QTVR
footage anywhere you are.
A final click demonstrates the capabilities of the Mach
5's homing bird.
INT. CASA CRISTO BLIMP
ANNOUNCER
Every race fan has heard the
rumors of spearhooks, tire shanks
and battery boosters.
JOHNNY
The league has done a tremendous
job to clean rally racing up.
While it's true there have been a
few bad apples, on the'whole most
teams stay within league rules.
He winks into the camera.
85.
CONTINUED:
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
Or at least try not to get caught.
EXT. STARTING LINE
We glide through the lines of race cars with x-ray vision
cam, revealing hidden weapons; spring loaded Ben-Hur tire
shredders, all manner of grabbers and grapplers as well
as bladders filled with oil or grease.
INT. RACER DEN
Sprittle and Chim-chim are settling in on the couch; a
big bag of potato chips and ice filled glasses of coke.
The Casa Cristo is about to begin.
POPS
Sprittle!
Faster than a blink Sprittle grabs the remote and changes
the channel to "Unser Charly," a German sitcom starring a
monkey.
POPS (CONT'D)
What are you doing?
SPRITTLE
Just watching a little TV, Pops.
Pops looks at the TV suspiciously, then back at his son.
SPRITTLE (CONT'D)
It's his favorite show.
POPS
It's in German!
SPRITTLE
Not the monkey parts.
chim-chim smiles.
POPS
Oh no you don't. You are not
watching that race. Out you go.
Outside. Get some exercise. You're
too pale.
86.
TNT. CASACRISTO BLIMP
ANNOUNCER
The moment the Queen of Casa
Cristo sees the sun, she'll signal
the start of the race.
EXT. DESERT VISTA
The horizon glows brighter, whispy clouds slowly soaking
up the blood-orange light.
TNT. HOTEL SUITE
They speak in Japanese.
HORUKO
This is wrong.what you are trying
to do.
KATSU
I have no choice. Their price is
an insult to four generations of
our family.
HORUKO
And if you die? Will then the
price be high enough?
EXT. RAMPART
The Queen sees the sun about to break.
INT. MACH 5
Speed revs his engine, a bomb ready to blow.
EXT. CASA CRISTO MEMORIAL
A large memorial commemorates all the drivers who died
during this race: "In memory of those who gave
everything for their love of this sport."
Trixie stands beside Speed, both of them staring at the
name carved into the bronze plaque; Rex Racer.
87.
CONTINUED:
SPEED
I understand it now, Trix. I know
why he left us.
She looks at him.
SPEED (CONT'D)
He was trying to change this
rotten business and they killed
him for it.
EXT. RAMPART
The Queen raises a starter's pistol.
INT. CRUNCHER'S HOTEL ROOM
Snake Oiler and his two HydroCell team-mates meet with
Cruncher and his gang, including Vinny "Three-Fingers,"
his hand still bandaged.
SNAKE
This is supposed to be my race!
I'm supposed to win! I got the
green light! They. promised I'd
get to go to the Grand Prix! For
eight years I've played by the
rules! This is supposed to be my
race!
CRUNCHER
Enough! I can't stand the
whining!
VINNY
Like a baby needing its diaper
changed.
Snake works his jaw looking for the right comeback.
CRUNCHER
It's simple. We have a team of
wild cards. The problem is these
wild cards are better drivers than
you.
SNAKE
Like hell they are!
CRUNCHER
Prove it. Take out Katsu. The
other two will quit.
88.
CONTINUED:
Snake seethes.
SNAKE
You just watch me. Come on!
He and his boys storm out, slamming the door behind them.
EXT. RAMPART
The sun cracks the horizon and the Queen fires the gun.
All at once tires explode into a wail of rubber burning
agony, smoke billowing from the sound of their screams.
The cars shoot down through the corridor of the small
streets like shotgun pellets through a barrel.
EXT. CASA CRISTO
The cars roar through the streets to the cheers of the
locals, while above, team helicopters circle with the
industriousness of bees.
INT. HELICPOTER
Trixie speaks into her headset.
TRIXIE
Katsu, HydroCell's coming up on•
your left.
The HydroCell cars jostle their way towards Katsu, Speed
and Racer X.
INT. RACER X'S CAR
RACER X
I got him.
INT. HOTEL SUITE
Racer X and Speed are escorted by Okamoto security into
the room.
Speed notices Horuko standing on the balcony and is
struck by her beauty.
Katsu bows.
89.
CONTINUED:
KATSU
It is such an extraordinary honor
to have such talent on my team.
RACER X
Let's skip the niceties and cut to
the chase.
Katsuarches an eyebrow.
RACER X (CONT'D)
The only reason we're here is
because you needed two outsiders
and because the Chief Inspector
believes you'll turn over your.
file on Remmington and Block.
Racer X eyes him.
RACER X (CONT'D)
I don't believe it. I don't trust
anyone who needs this kind of deal
before they'll bring a criminal to
justice.
The accusation hangs in the air.
RACER X (CONT'D)
But I'm willing to take a chance
that you'll prove me wrong.
KATSU
You won't regret your decision.
RACER X
We'll see. Until then you have my
word that I will do everything.I
can to make sure you checker at
Bartimaeus.
Katsu smiles.
EXT. CASA CRISTO
KNOCKING
Racer X smashes into one of the HydroCell team,
him into a series of billboards.
Katsu again smiles.
KATSU
Arrigato, X. Arrigato.
90:
INT. HOTEL SUITE
They stand around a GPS map of the race.
SPEED
If they're so desperate, why not
just use some kind of sniper?
There's a million places someone
could hide if they were really
trying to kill you.
RACER X
Any obvious crime would allow the
Chief Inspector to shut the race
down. That kind of scrutiny would
only hurt the business. They'll
do as much as they can to make it
appear legit.
Speed nods.
RACER X (CONT'D)
The real problem we'll have is
after the: first leg. Corteges is
going to be extremely dangerous.
Take my advice, keep your family
away from Cortega.
Speed again looks out at Moruko on the balcony.
EXT. CASA CRISTO
Katsu roars out of the city onto the desert road.
INT. CASA CRISTO BLIMP
ANNOUNCER
They're out of the city and
heading into the Zunubian Desert.
EXT. ZUNUBIAN DESERT
The chain of cars weave along the ribbon of concrete
while the desert dunes raise up around them.
A red bearded driver named Billy Steel-belted, his team
covered in the Manecks' logo, begins sliding up next to
Speed.
91.
EXT. SQUARE
A cobra peeks his head out of a basket, charmed by a
gorgeous woman playing her flute.
In the audience, Cruncher moves up behind Billy.
He hands him a small black velvet bag.
Billy pours out a fistful of star-dust; the glint of
diamonds glitter in the greed of his smile.
EXT. ZUNUBIAN DESERT
Billy smiles revealing his diamond studded teeth then
swerves at Speed.
INT. HELICOPTER
Trixie sees the attack coming.
TRIXIE
Speed, jump!
INT. MACH 5
Speed does, just as Billy's car plows through, passing
under him.
RACER X
He's not alone.
EXT. ZUNUBIAN DESERT
The Manecks team attacks, their cars flying at Katsu even
as a second team, the Atomic Injectables led by Tyrus
Tropp also attacks.
RACER X
This surprises me.
SPEED
Why?
RACER X
Tyrus is a good man. I wouldn't
expect him to turn head-hunter.
They aren't pulling any punches.
92.
INT. BASEMENT
Cruncher sits, shadows drawn around him like the folded
wings of a bat, across from a stoic looking Tyrus.
Cruncher slides an envelope across the table.
Tyrus looks at the goons surrounding him, then picks it
up.
Inside are the photographs of a beautiful girl playing in
a park. The hard edge in Tyrus' expression immediately
softens turning to fear.
Cruncher smiles like a snake that has just found an egg.
INT. CASA CRISTO BLIMP
ANNOUNCER
Things have started heating up, as
the cars head out across the
desert flats.
EXT. DESERT FLATS
The swerving, weaving chain of cars churns up a massive
cloud of dust in their wake.
Attacking cars are caught and spun out by Racer X and
Speed.
A hurricane of sand and dirt swirl around Katsu who sits
calmly in the eye of the storm while-
His guardian angels go into overdrive.
Racer X and Speed seem like they have been driving
together all their lives.
RACER X
Lead him--
SPEED
Here ya go!
Speed leads an attack straight into Racer X's counter.
RACER X
Wing left.
SPEED
Flying in!
93.
CONTINUED:
He jumps one car and blocks the attack on X.
As their cars merge in.and out from one another,
something seems perfectly clear to Speed--
He is back at Thunderhead with the ghost of his brother,
dancing around each other until--
TRIXIE
Speed!
Wham! Billy slams up against him--
Throwing a lever, a grappler locks on to the Mach 5.
SPEED
He's got me! I'm locked up!
Another lever is pumped like a tire pump and a sheaved
blade begins stabbing at Speed's tires.
Racer X watches unable to leave Katsu unprotected.
Speed hits the D button and the zircon saw blades start
gliding through the grappler.
RACER X
Get out of there! -
SPEED
I'm trying!
The knife slashes the tire which explodes just as the
grappler is cut--
Speed flips away free, hitting the "C" button causing a
new tire to inflate while he's upside down--
Landing on a new tire, without missing a beat.
Tyrus rushes into the opening, but this time it's Katsue
who works a hidden lever and--
A Katana-like blade flashes, a samurai slash across the
front tire--
Bowing it out, flipping the entire car, which tumbles
back straight at Speed, forcing him to try a split-jack
JUMP--
Firing only the rear jump-jacks, launching the back end
of the car while--
94.
CONTINUED: (2)
The front end of the Mach 5 clips against the Atomic
Injectibles car--
Sending Speed flipping end over end but landing with
strangely beautiful grace.
INT. CASA CRISTO BLIMP
JOHNNY
Oh my god! Did I just see that!?
ANNOUNCER
A rear single set jump into a
forward flip!
JOHNNY
I know he blew up at Fugi, but
this kid is flat out magic!
EXT. RACER BACKYARD
Sprittle and Chim-chim are laying in lounge chairs
wearing bathing suits and tanning goggles, holding
tanning mirrors under their chins.
Pops walks up.
POPS
I've got to go into town for some
parts. I'll be back for lunch.
SPRITTLE
Sure thing Pops.
Pops looks at them, shakes his head and walks off.
HIM
Sprittle slowly lowers his tanning goggles to watch
go.
SPRITTLE (CONT'D)
Let's go!
They drop their mirrors and bolt for the house.
INT. RACER DEN
They're back with chips and cokes clicking on the tv as
the cars storm across the desert.
They start crunching away, oblivious to the sound of the
front door opening.
95.
CONTINUED:
POPS
Honey, I can't find my wallet----
Pops enters the room expecting to find Mom but catches
them red-handed.
POPS (CONT'D)
Sprittle!
He sees the race on tv.
POPS (CONT'D)
You two are in--
SPRITTLE
Wait! Pops, before you get mad at
us--Look!
Sprittle points at the tv eyes wide.
POPS
I'm not falling for that--
SPRITTLE
It's Speed!
POPS
Speed's skiing.
SPRITTLE
Then who's driving the Mach 5?
Pops turns and indeed, there's the Mach 5 barrelling
across the red baked earth of Zunubia.
POPS
Oh no.
INT. CASA CRISTO BLIMP
ANNOUNCER
We're nearing the end of the first
leg of the Casa Cristo as Snake
Oiler, lead driver for the
HydroCell team, roars through the
streets of Cortega, heading for
the finish.
96.
EXT. CORTEGA
The HydroCell team rear through the cobblestone streets
of the medieval city crossing the finish line to a
cheering crowd.
INT. CASA CRISTO BLIMP
ANNOUNCER
The HydroCell team jumped on the
lead early and would not give it
up.
JOHNNY
They made excellent time. Okamoto
is still a couple of minutes
behind them.
ANNOUNCER
They have their work cut out for
them tomorrow.
INT. LUXURY CORTEGAN HOTEL
A medieval estate renovated into a hotel.
Katsu smashes a buffet laid out for the Okamoto team.
KATSU
If we drive tomorrow like we drove
today we will lose!
He points at the masked racer.
KATSU (CONT'D)
You will get nothing! All of this
will be meaningless!
SPEED
Relax. Snake's weak on turns.
We'll catch him in the mountains.
KATSU
We might if you stop showing off.
SPEED
Hey, all I was doing was saving
your ass.
Katsu raises a fist, but Racer X catches it.
97.
CONTINUED:
RACER X
Don't fall apart yet. There's
still a lot of race to run.
Katsu jerks free of Racer X and storms towards the door
immediately enveloped by his security team.
Speed looks at Racer X as though he can suddenly see
through the mask.
RACER X (CONT'D)
A C.I.B. Man will be posted
outside your door. We got their
attention today. You and Trixie
should be very careful tonight.
Speed nods as Racer X heads for the door.
SPEED
Racer X--
He stops.
SPEED (CONT'D)
I thought we made a good team
today. It felt like we'd been
doing it for a long time.
He hesitates.
RACER X
If you say so.
He turns away leaving Speed alone.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
CHICKEN'S
Remmington wrings the phone as if it were a
neck.
REMMINGTON
Ineptitude? Is this what I pay
you for?
CRUNCHER
They ain't checkered yet.
REMMINGTON
If. they do, I assure you it will
be a very costly mistake for
everyone.
He hangs up.
98.
CONTINUED:
ASSISTANT
Mr. Remmington, you have Mr. Mushi
on line two.
Remmington was dreading this call. He hits the button.
REMMINGTON
Mr. Mushi--
MUSHI
So, is this what guarantee means
to you, Mr. Remmington? Perhaps
your dictionary has a different
definition.
REMMINGTON
I understand there is a problem,
but I assure you there is no need
to panic.
MUSHI
I am not calling to panic. I am
calling to inform you that we will
be addressing the problem
ourselves, as your assurances and
guarantees leaves much to be
desired.
He hangs up leaving Remmington to stew in his juice.
INT. RACER HOTEL ROOM
Speed and Trixie are eating a room service dinner.
SPEED
It was very weird, Trix. I knew
every move he was going to make
and he knew mine. It was so
familiar. Maybe I'm crazy but
Racer X first showed up two years
after Rex's death.
TRIXIE
But Speed, Rex was cremated.
SPEED
A body was cremated. Remember it
had already been badly burned in
the crash. Even if it was Rex, no
one could have recognized him.
99
CONTINUED:
TRIXIE
So you think he faked the crash
with a different body in the
driver's seat?
SPEED
Somehow the kwik-save was
disconnected. Inspector Detector
suspected foul play but nothing
could be proved.
TRIXIE
okay, let's say it's all true.
Why would we do it?
SPEED
I don't know. Maybe the same
reason I'm here.
Ding dong.
Speed goes to the door.
C.I.B. SECURITY MAN
I'm sorry to disturb you sir, but
do you know these people?
Speedsticks his head out and there they are--
INT. HALLWAY
His family, Pops in front like a kettle ready to boil.
SPEED
Yeah...
INT. RACER HOTEL ROOM
Pops rages while Sprittle and Chim-chim pick through
their dinner.
POPS
Is this the kind of driver I have?
Someone who disobeys? Someone who
lies to me? Is this the kind of
son I have raised? And you,
Trixie, you know what this race
did to this family. Did either of
you stop to think about us? Huh?
Speed, did you think about your
mother? Or your brother?
(MORE)
100
CONTINUED:
POPS (CONT'D)
What it would do if something
happened to you?
SPEED
That's all I've been thinking
about, Pops. You, Mom, Sprittle,
Sparky.
Chim-chim shouts.
SPEED (CONT'D)
Yeah, you too, Chim-chim. We are
in serious trouble,,Pops, and it's
all my fault.
POPS
This is not the place or the race
to do anything about that.
SPEED
Why not?
POPS
Because it won't do any good?
SPEED
You don't know that.
POPS
You think you can drive a car and
change the world?! It doesn't
work like that!
SPEED
Maybe not. But it's the only
thing I know how to do and I gotta
do something.
POPS
That's unacceptable! This is
over. Pack your things. We're
going home.
Speed has never directly disobeyed his father.
SPEED
I can't. I'm sorry, Pops.
POPS
What?!
SPEED
I'm staying.
101.
CONTINUED: (2)
TRIXIE
So am
POPS
No you're not! You're coming
home, right now!
SPEED
I'm not a child, Pops. You can't
tell me how to live my life. If
you want to fire me as your
driver, then fine, do it. But it
won't change the fact that I am
going to.finish this race.
Pops looks ready to have an aneurism.
POPS
God, you sound like Rex. Do you
want to die like him too? Will
that make you happy?
SPEED
Don't take it out on me because
you feel guilty for what happened
to Rex.
MOM
okay, you two. That's enough.
Pops, if they're staying, then
we're staying.
SPRITTLE
All right, room service!
MOM
I suggest we try to do everything
we can to make sure we go home
together.
toe with
Pops fumes working his jaw, standing toe to
Speed.
POPS
Where's the Mach-5?
SPEED
Logged with security.
POPS
You added something to it?
SPEED
Some defensive modifications.
102
CONTINUED: (3)
POPS
The whole thing's out of balance,
isn't it?
SPEED
It pulls left, rides a little
stiff.
POPS
Sparky.
Pops and Sparky leave to do their work.
Speed feels terrible. He looks at his Mom.
SPEED
I'm sorry, Mom.
MOM
Your father loves you Speed. He's
just afraid that--
SPEED
I know. It's gonna be okay.
MOM
You wouldn't lie to your mother
would you?
SPEED
Never again.
She hugs him..
INT. HALLWAY
It is later.
he feels a
A burly C.T.B. Man stands guarding a door when
bee sting on his neck.
to the
The dart's poison acts quickly dropping the agent
floor as a ninja emerges from the shadows.
INT. HOTEL SUITE
Katsu sleeps soundly.
Above him, in the shadows of the vaulted ceiling there is
a flash, as a piece of metal glints against the
moonlight.
103.
EXT. HOTEL
Another ninja crawls like a spider down to an. open
window.
INT. RACER HOTEL ROOM
The sheer curtains undulate in the open window of Speed's
room as a masked face lowers into view.
The men of the Racer family lay scattered about the room
in cots and on the couches. Mom and Trixie are in the
connecting room.
INT. HOTEL SUITE
A liquid travels down a. wire that hangs poised about
Katsu's lips.
INT. HOTEL ROOM
A ninja enters Racer X's bedroom and sees him asleep in
his bed.
INT. RACER HOTEL ROOM
The ninja creeps past the sleeping men to Speed's bed.
INT. HOTEL SUITE
The oil drips onto Katsu's lips.
INT. HOTEL ROOM
A blowgun is raised.
INT. RACER HOTEL ROOM
Standing over Speed, the ninja withdraws a syringe from
his hidden chest pocket.
INT. HOTEL SUITE
Katsu licks his lips as--
104.
INT. HOTEL ROOM
The blowgun is fired, burying itself into the mound of
pillows.
Racer X, his face shrouded in shadows, emerges from the
darkness where all marked men sleep, behind the couch.
The ninja realizes he's been tricked and spins just as
Racer X attacks.
INT. RACER HOTEL ROOM
The syringe moves towards Speed's neck when--
Sprittle rolls over, knocking chim-chim with his arm,
waking him up. and as soon as he sees the ninja--
He screams.
Sprittle screams.
The ninja attacks stabbing at Speed who just barely
catches the needle. The ninja tries to wing-chun the
hypodermic free but--
Speed is too quick and he forces the needle into the
headboard as--
Sparky jumps onto the ninja's back.
SPARKY
I got him! I got hiiiyow--
The ninja throws Sparky across the room and tries to bolt
but Speed is up and throwing a quick combo.
The ninja stumbles, but a manages a spin-kick that knocks
Speed back as--
Pops grabs the ninja from behind.
POPS
You attack my family?1 You try to
hurt my son?!
Pops twists the squirming ninja through a series of
wrestling moves--
Finishing the ninja in a spinning over head helicopter----
105.
CONTINUED:
Launching him out the window.
Trixie and Mom burst in from the adjoining room.
TRIXIE
Oh my god? Was that a ninja?
Pops cracks his knuckles.
POPS
More like a non-ja. Terrible what
passes for a ninja these days.
s still
She looks out the window and smiles; this family'
got it.
TRIXIE
Cool beans.
There is a hurried knock at the door.
POPS
I'll get it.
It is Horuko, surrounded by security.
HORUKO
Oh, I am sorry. I was looking for
Speed Racer.
Speed moves to the door.
SPEED
Horuko? Are you all right?
HORUKO
No. Something terrible has
happened.
INT. HOTEL SUITE
Katsu can barely sit up, his arm draped over Horuko, his
head lolling from side to side.
The family is gathered around them and Racer X, who is
again wearing the mask.
Racer X tastes the needle of the blow dart.
RACER X
Narcolyte Benzamine. A highly
effective and debilitating drug.
(MORE)
106.
CONTINUED:
RACER X (CONT'D)
Stays in the system for hours, but
leaves with no trace.
KATSU
I'll be...fine...by morning...
RACER X
No you won't. You can't drive a
car. You can barely stand up.
Katsu leaps to his feet.
KATSU
You do not tell me what I can do--
He suddenly collapses to the floor.
HORUKO
KATSUL
She tries to help him, but he is unconscious.
SPEED
What are we going to do?
They all look to each other for an answer, but no one
seems to have one.
INT. MR. MUSHI'S BEDROOM
The phone wakes him and he grunts into the phone in
indiscernible Japanese.
MUSHI
.I have been assured that our
problem has been solved.
REMMINGTON
Perhaps your definition of
"solved" is different from mine.
EXT. CORTEGA
d a
In the distance, the medieval walled city sinks behin
hill as the sunrises, the sound of rolling thunder
swelling as--
The race cars come flying over the hill, exploding past
us.
107.
INT. CASA CRISTO BLIMP
ANNOUNCER
The second leg of the Casa Cristo
is under way. And the stage is
set for what might be one of the
most ferocious rallies we've seen
in years.
EXT. HIGHWAY
Crowds lining the road cheer as the cars scream past.
Already starting to nudge and buck, trying to force an
early mistake,.Speed and Racer X are immediately forced
into their aggressively defensive driving.
Speed seems particularly wired.
SPEED
Watch your line!
Okamoto adjusts.
SPEED (CONT'D)
Cut left! Now!
Speed. flies into block for Okamoto, but Okamoto doesn't
create enough space.
SPEED (CONT'D)
Watch it!
They kiss with the shriek of crashing metal.
INT. . HELICOPTER
Pops and Trixie ride in the helicopter with Sparky
spotting.
SPARKY
Packs leaning left, look for a
slingshot on the right!
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD
Almost on cue, the Medius Rez team launches at Okamoto,
who feints left and jumps, allowing Speed to smash-block
to the inside.
108
CONTINUED:
RACER X
Speed, you're too tight!
The cars bounce and Speed takes a hit, spinning for
moment before he regains control.
Speed mumbles to himself.
SPEED
This is completely--
INT. HELICOPTER
And Pops mumbles finishing Speed's thought.
POPS
Absolutely crazy.
INT. HOTEL HALL
The security guard receives confirmation.
GUARD
The chopper is ready ma'am.
Horuko is escorted out, surrounded by her security
detail.
EXT. HOTEL
Cruncher's thug watches through binoculars as Horuko
exits the hotel, then reports through his Bluetooth.
THUG
She's leavin' da hotel now.
INT. HELICOPTER
Sparky scouts the upcoming terrain.
SPARKY
Wicked sidewinder coming up.
Watch the inside-out. Could get
ugly.
EXT. HELIPAD
Horuko is escorted to her waiting helicopter.
109.
INT. THUGMOBILE
The crew of thugs negotiates the winding crowded. streets.
THUG
Yeah, boss. Signal's loud and
clear.
On the dash is a GPS map with a blinking signal.
EXT. SWITCHBACK
The chain of jostling cars weave up the switchback with
the violence of clattering pachinko balls.
INT. POLICE CAR
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
They're airborne? You're sure?
Good. Double the guard for her
arrival in Bartimaeus. I gave my
word nothing would happen to his
sister and I mean to keep it.
The Inspector gets another call.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR (CONT'D)
Inspector Detector..-.Mrs. Racer?
What kind of emergency?
INT. HORUKO'S HELICOPTER
The helicopter races across the scenic landscape. Inside
the cockpit, the pilot sets the auto-pilot on and
releases the stick.
He stands and pulls out a gun. It is Cruncher Block.
EXT. SWITCHBACK
Speed is driving like a maniac.
SPEED
Left! Drift tight! Tight!
Okamoto looks like he's about to go over the edge.
110.
CONTINUED:
SPEED (CONT'D)
No!
INT. HORUKO'S HELICOPTER
The pilot opens the door to the posh passenger cabin.
The two security men go for their guns but Cruncher has
the drop.
CRUNCHER
Don't do it!
They raise their hands.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
On the ground! Now!
They get on.the floor.
Horuko stands and Cruncher whips his gun around to her.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
GOTCHA--
But suddenly, something is wrong, his eyes going wide as
he realizes--
Horuko is not Horuko.
Horuko is Katsu.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
What the--
Katsu snatches Cruncher's gun and the Fixer is too
stunned to do anything to stop it.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
You-cheater.
The security team seizes hold of him.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
But if you're here, who's--?
EXT. SIDEWINDER ROAD
Katsu's car swerves wildly back into the middle of the
road.
INT. KATSU'S CAR
Trixie has had enough. She yanks up the dark visor on
the helmet.
TRIXIE
That's better. Couldn't see
anything.
She gains control and eases the car into the slot.
SPARKY
That's it. Nice line, Trix.
INT. HELICOPTER
Horuko sits beside Sparky, wearing Trixie's clothes.
SPARKY
Top of the hill's coming. Snake's
got at least a quarter mile'on ya.
TRIXIE
Well, let's go get him.
SPEED
If you'd been a little more
careful, he wouldn't be ahead of
us.
TRIXIE
I told you I couldn't see outta
this dang helmet. It's too big.
SPEED
I can't believe you talked us into
this ridiculous idea.
TRIXIE
What's ridiculous about it?
You're the one always telling me
I'm a better driver than most of
the WRL.
SPEED
Now's not the time to prove it!
TRIXIE
Why not?
SPEED
It's too dangerous!
112.
CONTINUED:
TRIXIE
Too dangerous for me but not for
you?
RACER X
Children, focus! If we're going
to have a chance we're going to
have to pass Snake before the
rendezvous.
TRIXIE
I'm ready. Let's roll.
She floors it, pulling out, leaving Speed shaking his
head and trying to keep up.
They smear through a hairpin turn and as they close on
the nearest cars it is immediately apparent that they are
no longer driving protectively or defensively--
They are attacking.
Racer X leaps at the bumper of one car, corner-checking
him into the rail while--
Trixie hits like a cue ball on the break, scattering
several cars--
Leaving Speed little to clean up.
INT. HELICOPTER
Sparky cheers.
SPARKY
Wahoo! Go get 'em, girl!
INT. SNAKES'S CAR
He sees them in the rear view mirror.
SNAKE
Here they come! Pick it up!
INT. BLIMP
C.C. ANNOUNCER
Here comes the Okamoto team,
making their move.
113.
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD
Every winding turn is another click on a fishing rod as
they slowly reel the HydroCell team in.
The Okamoto team moves with synchronized grace while
Snake and his team struggle to hold their line.
SNAKE
Watch it! What're you doin'?!
The mountains undulate, the cars dip and rise caught in
the current of this concrete river--
Flowing one way then another, the cars sawing across the
belly of one bend, drifting into the curve of another
UNTIL--
The Hydrocell emerges over the crest of a hill with the
Okamoto team tight to their bumpers.
SNAKE (CONT'D)
Just try it! Try to pass! Just
try it!
Racer X knows they're ready.
RACER X
Take 'em.
SPEED
With pleasure.
Speed slingshots from the back position, hurling
alongside the HydroCell team until--
Snake blocks him, setting up an attack by one of his team
but this just allows Racer X a hole to punch through.
The cars continue to slug it out still weaving up the
mountain road, climbing it seems to helicopter or blimp
height.
INT. BLIMP
ANNOUNCER
Now the gloves are off and they
are pounding one another, bumper
to bumper, rail to rail!
114.
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD
It remains at one level of intensity until---
Snakes bashes Trixie hard into the rail, driving her
almost over the edge, causing her to shriek from the
force of the blow--
And Speed loses it.
His jaw clenches, shifting into a whole new level of
intensity.
He becomes a cyclone, a whirling dervish, enveloping the
HydroCell team in a cloud of chaos---
Throwing, rending,. ripping through them until only Snake
is left.
Speed is not kind; battering him until he's not sure if
he's going forward or backward.
In a panic, Snakes reaches for a hidden lever but before
he can take hold of it, Speed clobbers him again, causing
him to shriek louder than Trixie and then--
Recede quickly away like a dog with its tail tightly
tucked.
INT. HELICOPTER
SPRITTLE
Oh yeah!
Pops can't help a flash of delight.
POPS
.that's my boy.
INT. BLIMP
C.C. ANNOUNCER
The Okamoto team roars into the
lead behind some very aggressive
driving by Speed Racer.
JOHNNY
You kiddin' me? He just tore
Snake a new tailpipe!
115.
INT. KATSU'S CAR
SPEED
Trix? You all right?
She's obviously shaken up.
TRIXIE
Yeah, sure. 10--4 and ready for
more.
Speed shakes his head, wanting this to be over.
RACER X
Then let's move it. We got some
time to eat up.
INT. HORUKO'S HELICOPTER
Cruncher is buckled into a seat with his arms tied behind
him. He glares at Katsu who is changing into his racing
leathers.
CRUNCHER
Haven't ya heard? Cheaters never
prosper.
SECURITY GUARD
Sir, we've got the lead! They're
heading for the rendezvous, now!
Katsu looks back at Cruncher and smiles.
KATSU
Excellent.
INT. THUGMOBILE
No answer. The thug hangs up.
THUG
Somethin' ain't right.
INT. HELICOPTER
They head down towards the rendezvous which is a hidden
alpine nook, surrounded by mountains.
116
CONTINUED:
HORUKO
You're sure, no cameras here?
POPS
Checked it this morning. Quite a
few dead spots in these mountains.
EXT. RENDEZVOUS
The Okamoto team roars up to where everyone is waiting.
Speed climbs out of the Mach-5 and heads straight for
Trixie.
SPEED
I told you--
She turns ready to fight, if that's what he wants.
SPEED (CONT'D)
You are one helluva driver.
She smiles.
TRIXIE
You're not so bad yourself.
Sparky and Pops go to work, changing fuel cells and
starting to pound out some of the serious dents.
Racer X sees Cruncher guarded by the security team.
RACER X
What's he doing here?
KATSU
Stowaway. Weren't sure what to do
with him.
RACER X
Do what he'd do; break his legs
and let him walk back.
Horuko bows to Trixie.
HORUKO
Thank you so much.
TRIXIE
It was a blast.
SPARKY
Cells reloaded!
117.
CONTINUED:
SPEED
Let's go!
They start to turn until machine gun fires objects.
THUG
Nobody move!
The thugs emerge from the surrounding wood.
POPS
What is this?!
UP
He strides towards the nearest goon but bullets spit
IN
the earth and snow at his feet causing him to freeze
place.
CRUNCHER
This is called a change of plan.
Now freed, one of the thugs tosses him a gun.
THUG
Yeah, that's right. We're
changing your plan that changed
our plan to change your
plan. - .right boss?
Cruncher decides to ignore that.
CRUNCHER
The new plan-- what was it, again?
Break your legs, make you.walk
back? I like that.
He stands smiling in front of Racer X.
CRUNCHER (CONT'D)
But first, I think it's time to
play a little peek-a-boo, I-see-
you.
INT. BLIMP
C.C. ANNOUNCER
We are still waiting for the
Okamoto team to come out of the
pass.
JOHNNY
Those roads can really ice up.
Very dangerous.
118.
EXT. RENDEZVOUS
One of the thugs pins Racer X's arms back as Cruncher
goes for the mask while--
Unnoticed by anyone, the trunk of the Mach-5 pops open
and four eyes peek out.
Cruncher starts to peel back the mask when a rock clips
him on the side of his head.
CRUNCHER
OWL
SPRITTLE
Monkey cookie!
He turns just as--
Whap! A monkey cookie in the kisser.
SPRITTLE (CONT'D)
Nice shot!
Chim-chim howls as Sprittle reloads his sling-shot.
POPS
Sprittle?!
CRUNCHER
Get that monkey!
The goons are confused, distracted, and before they can
control it, the fight is on--
Racer X throws the thug holding him--
Speed and Trixie dish out equal measures of chop-socky
and good of American slug-fu as--
Pops grapples and wrestles his goon into a head-lock.
Racer X hammers Cruncher to the ground where he sees his
gun, scrambling for it but just as he reaches for it--
Katsu steps on his hand.
It's a short quick turn around and--
RACER X
Looks like another change of plan.
119.
CONTINUED:
WHILE
The security guards herd up Cruncher and the thugs
Pops turns his attention to--
POPS
Sprittlel Get over here!
SPRITTLE
Ahhhh!
He and Chim-chim run behind Speed.
SPEED
Sprittle this isn't a game. You
could've been killed in there.
SPRITTLE
I.know it was bad! I know we
shouldn't have done it. But Chim-
chim was really really scared.
SPEED
Chim-chim?
SPRITTLE
Okay, I was a little scared too.
TRIXIE
Scared of what?
Sprittle clings to his big brother.
SPRITTLE
I didn't want what happened to Rex
to happen to you.
Racer X and Pops feel a hidden wound open.
SPRITTLE (CONT'D)
We just thought if you got into
trouble, maybe we could help and
it's a good thing we did.
a good
Speed looks at Pops as if Sprittle is making
point.
POPS
Oh no, you're not getting off that
easy. If your mother hasn't had a
heart attack already, I'm sure
she'll know what to do with you
two.
tires and
The last of Pops line is lost to the squeal of
roar of engines as the HydroCell team flies by.
120.
CONTINUED: (2)
KATSU
Go! Go! Go!
They rush to their cars, Speed leaping into the Mach-5.
Engines. growl, tires spin and gravel spits as the three
cars shoot back into the race.
TNT. BLIMP
C.C. ANNOUNCER
First out of the pass is... the
HydroCell team?
JOHNNY
Uh-oh. They better send the
emergency trailer--
C.C. ANNOUNCER
Wait! Is that--
Like eagles dropping from the sky, the Okamoto ream soars
out of the mouth of the pass.
INT. BLIMP
JOHNNY
Here we go again.
C.C. ANNOUNCER
Whatever happened in that pass has
left Okamoto back where they
started but now only one obstacle
stands between Snake oiler and
VICTORY--
JOHNNY
The Maltese Ice Caves.
TNT. HELICOPTER
Trixie notices as Pops begins to bite his lip. She
whispers to Sparky.
TRIXIE
This is where Rex...
Sparky nods.
121.
EXT. MALTESE ICE CAVES
Moon-white sheaves mottled against coke-bottle colored
ice floes rise up, a glistening wall of glacial plates
surrounding the thin ribbon of road.
Speed enters the first series of caves bored through
earth and ice, a stroboscopic oscillation of light and
dark, ads and no ads as---
The memory of watching Rex disappear down the throat of
one of these caves haunts him.
KATSU
Speed?! What are you doing?
SPEED
Sorry.
RACER X
Are you all right?
SPEED
I'm fine.
Ahead, the HydroCell team grows from small silhouettes
flashing in and out of sight,. closer and closer, larger
and larger until--
once more the three chase cars lock onto their rear
bumper.
INT. RACER X'S CAR
RACER X
The next cave's a rattler.
KATSU
What is that?
SPEED
Double S.
RACER X
We'll make our move in there.
EXT. MALTESE ICE CAVES
The open maw swallows the segmented train of cars, each
one slipping down into an underworld--
122.
CONTINUED:
Where there is no purchase for advertisements--
Only the cold, wet darkness where white lights chase
after red ones.
Speed tries to shake his fear when X calls for the
attack.
RACER X
Now.
The cars split apart, Racer X leading the charge as--
Sparks flash as with the cross of swords, metal striking
metal and--
The ice-crusted walls sparkle with star-bursts of
VIOLENCE--
The cacophony ringing through the first bending curve.
It is obvious that the conditions are much more
difficult, a sword fight on a frozen lake--
Each of the drivers, skidding, wobbling, drifting farther
then they anticipated, but--
The Okamoto team are just too good, eliminating one and
then the other HydroCell cars until--
Speed again has Snake in his sights.
This time, though, Snake is ready.
SNAKE
Not this time, punk!
He throws the lever and beneath his car--
A violent spray of freezing gas immediately skim coats
the road with a fresh shimmering glaze of ice that---
Speed hits going full throttle, immediately spinning
wildly out of control.
He screams trying to hold on as he spits out the end of
the cave--
Smashing through the rail, separating from the earth--
Hanging for a moment against the soundlessness of the
open sky--
Before dropping like a stone.
123.
CONTINUED: (2)
RACER X
Speed!
INT. BLIMP
JOHNNY
Oh no!
C.C. ANNOUNCER
Speed Racer's gone over the edge!
INT. HELICOPTER
Everyone feels the same stomach-lurching terror as Pops'
eyes go wide with the terror that he is about to lose
another son.
EXT. GLACIER CLIFF
Speed falls and from inside the cockpit it looks
impossibly far to the bottom but--
The wall of the cliff is not completely vertical and the
Mach-5 begins to rub against the ice.
Speed reacts immediately, hitting one of the control
buttons and--
Crampons shoot out of his tires, giving him just enough
of a hold to try--
A split-jack jump, the front jacks firing, throwing the
car into a somersault across the open ravine--
Slamming against the far side which has slightly more
slope, allowing the crampons to dig in as--
He drive straight up the wall of ice.
TNT. BLIMP.
JOHNNY
He did.not! He did not just do
that!
C.C. ANNOUNCER
Speed Racer is. driving straight up
a cliff face--are we getting this?
124.
CONTINUED:
JOHNNY
This kid is unbelievable!
INT. HELICOPTER
They all cheer.
SPRITTLE
Go, Speed, go!
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD
Speed jumps again, vaulting violently back into the
winding road just behind a disbelieving Snake.
SPEED
Hi. Remember me?
Speed roars up after him and Snake grabs for his lever
again but now it's Speed that's ready--
Jumping over the ice, he body slams Snake, sending him
hard into the rail as Speed shoots into the lead.
SNAKE
Not again! Not again!
He grabs at an ankle holster, yanking out a gun.
INT. BLIMP
Their cameras zoom in as Snake aims.
JOHNNY
Oh my god, he's got a gun!
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD
Speed doesn't notice until it seems his entire family
screams into his ear--
FAMILY
GUN!
Snakes fires just as--
Speed hits the cockpit bubble and the bullets smack
against it like a sledgehammer into a brick wall.
125.
CONTINUED:
He swerves knowing he won't be able to take many hits as
Snake chases after him, firing as--
Speed hits the crampons again and runs up the side of the
mountain then--
Flips off the wall just as the cliff face drops off,
switching sides as--
Snake now finds himself on the outside as Speed bashes
him out through the guard rail.
Snake tries a similar move to Speed but Snake is no Speed-
And his car bursts apart as he miss-times the flip,
sending a bouncing cocoon to the distant snows below.
INT. BLIMP
C.C. ANNOUNCER
Snake oiler completely going out
of his mind--
JOHNNY
Could have been altitude sickness,
it gets crazy up there--
CASA CRISTO ANNOUNCER
Whatever it was, Speed handled it
beautifully and with less than 250
kilometers to go, nothing seems to
stand between Okamoto--
EXT. FINISH LINE
The cars weave through the Byzantine streets of San
Bartimeaus.
C.C. ANNOUNCER
-- And victory!
The checkered flag comes down, hundreds of flashbulbs
capturing the moment as Katsu leads Speed and Racer X
across the finish line.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE.
Remmington smoulders like the cigar worries between his
fingers as he watches the effect of the race happen
almost immediately.
126.
CONTINUED:
The stock of Okamoto engineering climbs two points.
REMMINGTON
Get me... Tetsuya Okamoto.
EXT. VICTORY LANE
Katsu poses with Speed and Racer X for photographers.
Racer X is clearly not interested.
KATSU
We make a good team.
RACER X
We did our part. Make sure you do
yours.
Racer X stares at Katsu whose face is as expressionless
as a mask but it feels as though Racer X can see right
through it.
KATSU
Of course.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
REMMINGTON
Congratulations Mr. Okamoto. Very
impressive race.
INT. OKAMOTO'S OFFICE
OKAMOTO
Yes, thank you. You are very
generous, Mr. Remmington.
EXT. VICTORY LANE
REPORTER 2
Speed, does this mean you've
signed with Okamoto?
SPEED
Uh, no. This was... a mutually
beneficial opportunity.
KATSU
Yes, well put.
127.
CONTINUED:
REPORTER 3
Katsu, does this mean you will be
running in the Grand Prix this
weekend?
KATSU
We'll see. Right now I'm just
going to enjoy this victory.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
OKAMOTO
The price is 78 a share.
REMMINGTON
That's outrageous! The price is
barely above 50! This is
extortion! Blackmail! I'll sue
you! Tie up every asset you own
up for the next 20 years!
OKAMOTO
As you wish Mr. Remmington. Have
a nice day.
REMMINGTON
Wait!
He grinds his molars until they are smooth.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
Seventy-eight a share. I'll have
the papers drawn up.
OKAMOTO
A pleasure doing business with
you.
INT. OKAMOTO'S OFFICE
sit across
Okamoto hangs up the phone. Katsu and Horuko
from him. He smiles.
OKAMOTO
You have done very well for us, my
son.
Katsu smiles the same smile as his father. The only
person not smiling in the room is Horuko.
128.
INT. RACER FAMILY GARAGE
Speed kicks over a tool box giving voice to his rage with
a cacophony of clattering metal.
He jumps into the Mach 5. The engine guns the wheels
screech as he peels out and away leaving--
Inspector Detector standing with this hat in hand, his
frown mirrored by Pops.
SPARKY
I don't get it. What just
happened?
POPS.
Okamoto played us for chumps. All
he wanted was our help to drive up
the stock on his family's company.
Even if there was a file, he had
no intention of turning it over.
SPARKY
You mean that whole race was for
nothing?
INT. MACH 5
Speed screams as loud as he can strangling the steering
wheel as he rockets through a series of familiar with
curves.
EXT. THUNDERHEAD
Without the lights or banners or crowds, the race track
echoes with the same quiet portance as a cathedral. It
is here that Speed has always found himself.
But as he sails through neck snapping turns with reckless
abandon, it becomes clear that he is chasing something
that he has lost.
He seems ready to cry for all the frustration and anger,
wanting so badly to undo the last few weeks of his life.
Suddenly in his rearview mirror there is an answer to his
prayer, a miracle--
His brother.
129.
CONTINUED:
For a moment he believes that he is again driving beside
the ghost of his brother but when the two cars kiss up
against each other, Speed realizes this is no ghost--
It's Racer X.
The masked Racer suddenly becomes the focus of all his
anger and Speed swings his car, wielding it like a club,
trying to clobber him.
Racer X dodges the first blow and swings back, the two have
at one another, banging, shoving one another into the wall--
Until Speed can't take it anymore and he goes at X as
ferociously as he can, throwing him into a tailspin--
Crashing him into one of the grand stands.
Silence embraces the track.
Speed climbs out of the Mach 5.
SPEED
X? Racer X?
There is a small movement in the car, a shuddering as
though in pain and Speed realizes he may have gone too
far.
SPEED (CONT'D)
Racer X?!!
He runs to the car but immediately stops when he realizes
the masked man is not in pan; he is laughing. He
practically falls out of his car.
RACER X
Jeezus, kid. You can drive. I
haven't been thrown like that in
years.
SPEED
What are you doing here?
RACER X
The inspector told me what
happened., I came looking for you.
SPEED
Why?
RACER X
Thought you'd take it hard and
maybe do something stupid.
130.
CONTINUED: (2)
SPEED
Why would you care?
RACER X
Because you're a fighter. And a
friend.
SPEED
Why don't you just tell me the
truth?
Racer X stares at him hard.
SPEED (CONT'D)
You're Rex, aren't you?
RACER X
You mean your brother?
SPEED
Youfirstappeared two years after
Rexdied.You drive just like
him.Youknew I'd be here because
thisis where he always used to
takeme.Just tell me the truth.
mask.
After a long hard moment, Racer X pulls off his
He is not Rex. Speed is stunned.
SPEED (CONT'D)
You're... not Rex.
RACER X
No. I'm sorry Speed but your
brother is dead.
He pulls his mask back on.
SPEED
I'm sorry.
RACER X
Don't be. I'm sure where ever
your brother is, he is immensely
proud of you.
SPEED
For what? Making the same
mistakes he did?
131.
CONTINUED: (3)
RACER X
For trying to make a difference.
From what I've read, that's all he
tried to do.
SPEED
And what good did it do? He got
killed for nothing. Racing hasn't
changed and it never will!
RACER X
It doesn't matter if racing never
changes. What matters is if we
let racing change us. Everyone of
us has to find the reason to do
this. You don't climb into a T-
180 to be a driver. You do it
because you're driven.
SPEED
I don't know why I'm doing it
anymore.
RACER X
That's obvious. At Fuji, you were
trying to prove something. At
Cristo, you were looking for
justice. Neither are the reason
you belong behind a steering
wheel.
SPEED
If you know so much, why don't you
tell me why I should keep driving?
RACER X
Sorry. That's for you to figure
out.
He climbs back into his car.
RACER X (CONT'D)
I just hope when you do, I'm there.
to see it.
He roars away leaving Speed alone.
INT. SPEED'S ROOM
Speed is furiously packing. There is a knock on the door
but he ignores it.
Sprittle opens the door, Chim-chim following him in.
132.
CONTINUED:
SPRITTLE
Hey watcha doin?
SPEED
What's it look like?
SPRITTLE
Where ya goin?
SPEED
I don't know. I just gotta get
away from here.
SPRITTLE
Why?
SPEED
Because.
SPRITTLE
Because why?
SPEED
Because I have to.
SPRITTLE
Can we come with you?
Speed is struck by an odd sense of deja vu.
SPEED
What?
SPRITTLE
Can we come with you?
SPEED
No.
SPRITTLE
Why?
SPEED
You'll understand when it's your
turn.
He shoulders his bag and shoves out the door.
INT. RACER FAMILY LIVING ROOM
there,
Speed crosses to the door but Pops is already
sitting, waiting, a heaviness in his.limbs.
133.
CONTINUED:
POPS
Speed, before you go, I'd like to
say a few things. Will you sit
with your old man for a minute?
Speed chafes a bit but drops his bag.
SPEED
Don't try to stop me.
POPS
I won't. I made a mistake trying
to tell you what to do at Cortega.
You were right. I was wrong. I
won't make that mistake again.
Speed sits.
POPS (CONT'D)
I want you to know that I acted
rashly. I said things I wish I
hadn't. Your mother usually
protects me from making an ass out
of my self but I was determined to
do it this time and I guess I did
a pretty good job of it. I wanted
to make sure you understood how
sorry I was.
SPEED
Thanks.
POPS
The truth was, I couldn't have
been more proud of you son. Not
because you won, but because you
stood up, you weren't afraid and
you did what you thought was
right.
SPEED
So? It didn't amount to anything.
It was completely meaningless.
POPS
How could it be meaningless? I
saw my son become a man. I
watched him act with courage and
integrity and drive the pants off
of every driver on the road. This
is not meaningless. This is the
reason for a father's life.
Pop's eyes'begin to twinkle with tears
134.
CONTINUED: (2)
POPS (CONT'D)
I admit I went to Cortega because
I was afraid that what happened to
Rex was going to happen to you.
And I just couldn't take that. I
couldn't loose another one of my
boys like that again. But what I
realize in Cortega was that I
didn't lose Rex when he crashed, I
lost him here. I lost him when he
walked out of this house and I let
him go without telling him how
proud I was of him and how much I
loved him. I let him think that a
stupid motor company meant more to
me than he did. You'll never know
how much I regret that mistake,
but it's enough that I'll never
make it again.
He puts his big bear arms around him and hugs him.
POPS (CONT'D)
I love you Speed. I understand that
every child leaves home but I want
you to know that door is always
open and you can always come back.
SPEED
I love you Pops. I'm just so
confused right now. I don't what
I'm doing or why I'm doing it. I'm
locked up in some kinda tailspin
and no direction makes sense.
POPS
I know what that's like. When Rex
died I didn't even. know if I
wanted salt on my eggs, let alone
if I wanted to keep building cars.
Then, do you remember when we sat
here, that night, watching old Ben
Burns and Dugazi? You remember
that?
Speednods vaguely.
POPS (CONT'D)
Sittin' here, cheering with you,
something just clicked, like a
light being switched on inside of
me and after that, I never had
trouble remembering how I liked me
eggs.
135.
CONTINUED: (3)
SPEED
Jeez Pops. That's just it.
That's part of my problem.
POPS
What?
SPEED
That race. The '43 Prix. Burns
and Dugazi? It was fixed.
Remmington told me the whole
story. It was all about some DNF
names Rotts. They've known the
winner of every Grand Prix for the
past 50 years. It's always fixed.
That's a tough pill for Pops to swallow.
POPS
I don't believe that.
Remmington's a crook. You can't
believe a crook.
SPEED
I don't think he was lying, Pops.
POPS
The Grand Prix? A sham?
Ding dong.
POPS (CONT'D)
Who could that be?
WITH
Speed opens the door. She seems to glow, radiating
her own incandescence.
SPEED
Horuko?!
HORUKO
Forgive me for intruding but I had
to come before it was too late.
Speed eyes her for a moment wondering if this is another
set-up.
HORUKO (CONT'D)
This is not a trick. I swear to
you. I am not my brother.
POPS
You going to ask the lovely lady
in?
136.
CONTINUED: (4)
SPEED
Yeah, sure. Come on in.
She steps in, looking somewhat out of place in the
suburban living room.
POPS
Can I get you something to drink?
HORUKO
No. My security man believes I am
still at the opera, so I only have
a moment.
She turns to Speed.
HORUKO (CONT'D)
I am very sorry for what happened.
what my father and brother did was
not right and I am ashamed.
SPEED
It's fine. Just another lesson
learned.
HORUKO
No.. It is they who are in need of
a lesson.
She pulls an envelope out of her bag and gives it to
Speed.
HORUKO (CONT'D)
This rightfully belongs to you.
He opens the envelope and his eyes immediately light up.
SPEED
An invitation to compete in the
91st annual Grand Prix?
HORUKO
My brother was planning to decline
anyway but I studied the rules
very carefully and as a member of
the Okamoto team, if you present
this invitation on the day of the
race, they must allow you to
compete.
Pops bursts into a smile and slaps Speed on the back.
137.
CONTINUED: (5).
POPS
Whaddya think of that, Mr. Its-
Always-Fixed?
SPEED
HORUKO
You do not have to say anything.
I only hope you drive as you did
in Casa Cristo and you wipe the
smiles from their faces.
POPS
We don't have a car. Sparky!
SPARKY
Right here Pops.
Sparky steps out of the kitchen doorway.
POPS
What're you doing in the kitchen?
SPARKY
Same as everyone else.
Behind him the entire family peeks out.
SPEED
I don't believe it. You were
listening the whole time?
Trixie goes to him.
TRIXIE
We were worried about you.
HORUKO
I would say good luck Saturday but
you do not need it. You are
already very lucky to have such a
family.
SPEED
Goodbye and thank you.
He closes the door.
POPS
Come on! We got work to do.
138.
CONTINUED: (6)
SPARKY
But Pops, the race is less than 36
hours away.
POPS
Isn't that how fast Remmington
said he could build that tin can
with all his fancy machines?
SPARKY
Yeah.
POPS
Then we'll do it in 32. Let's go!
He heads for the garage, Sprittle leaping after him.
SPRITTLE
I want to help.
POPS
Well come on.
SPRITTLE
Chim-chim too?
POPS
We need everyone.
INT. RACER FAMILY GARAGE
The family gets to work, bolting, welding, drilling,
cutting, and grinding.
The framework of a car begins to materialize, assembled
it seems out of thin air, human will made manifest as--
INT. REMMINGTON INDUSTRIES LABORATORY
A car is covered in a sheet bearing the RI logo.
Remmington speaks before Mushi and his cadre of lawyers
and assistants.
REMMINGTON
I swear to you Mr. Mushi when the
GRX is revealed at the Grand Prix
and then captures the black and
white checkers the demand for our
transponder engines will go
through the roof.
Mushi.smiles.
139.
INT. RACER FAMILY GARAGE
The Racers continue to work, Sparky beginning to fall
asleep just as Mom brings him a big, steaming cup of
coffee.
The car is further along, but still a long way from
finished.
INT. REMMINGTON'S OFFICE
Papers are signed. Hands are shaken. Pictures posed
for. The harmony of the corpratocracy complete as--
INT. RACER FAMILY GARAGE
The entire family, covered in sweat, blood, and grease,
refusing to quit even as the sun rises on--
EXT. THE GRAND PRIX
Nothing we've seen compares to the staggering scope of
this track. It feels like an entire city; grand stands
rising up like can-opened sky scrapers surrounded by
clover leafs of track that seem like origami folded
highways.
Preparations are well under way, ads being positioned,
lights being checked, make-up being applied to Ben Burns
and his announcing partner, Cass Jones.
INT. RACER FAMILY GARAGE
The Racers gobble handful of potato chips, stuffing
quarters of P,B, & J sandwiches into their mouths,
rushing to finish while--
INT. GRAND PRIX PENTHOUSE
Caviar, shrimp and lobster are being set out on trays of
ice beneath a glistening ice sculpture of.the GRX.
INT. RACER FAMILY GARAGE
The car is nearly finished,Pops spraying on the paint as--
140.
EXT. GRAND PRIX GRANDSTANDS
The crowds have already begun to arrive.
At the players entrance, fans swarm after Cannonball
Taylor who arrives in his gorgeous sports car.
INT. RACER FAMILY GARAGE
Sparky slams the access panel shut.
SPARKY
Alright, fire it up!
Everyone holds their breath as Speed hits the ignition.
The car makes a sick baying rattle and smoke begins
pouring out of the engine.
SPARKY (CONT'D)
Kill it! Kill it!
EXT. GRAND PRIX
Remmington stands ready to reveal the GRX.
REMMINGTON
Ladies and gentlemen, behold the
future.
It's black, shiny, and beautiful in a malefic way.
INT. RACER FAMILY GARAGE
The clock continues to tick, everyone watching anxiously
over his shoulder as Sparky works.
SPEED
Sparks, it's getting late.
SPARKY
I know, I know. Okay. Give it a
try.
Everyone braces as Speed hits the ignition.
It is the sound of an explosion held in the palm of your
hand.
141.
CONTINUED:
SPEED
Sounds beefy Pops.
POPS
It gives you a little something
extra.
SPEED
Let's get it loaded!
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
This year marks a new record as
the Grand Prix will be broadcast
in eighty-four different
languages.
The camera pans. over the multitude of ethnic
broadcasters.
CASS JONES (CONT'D)
Just gets bigger every year,
doesn't it Ben?
BEN BURNS
Seems like it.
INT. GRAND PRIX PENTHOUSE
The elite hobnob, champagne flutes flashing between
feathered hats and waxy smiles.
The Okamotos raise their glasses to Mushi.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
We've got an incredible lineup
this year. Some major
competition. We got a few fan
favorites like the Gray Ghost,
Sonic "Boom-boom" Renaldi and
Prince Kabala. We got perenial
powerhouses like Nitro Venderhoss,
Gary "Gearbox" Kalinkov, and Mori
Minimoto.
BEN BURNS
Not to mention C ball.
142.
CONTINUED:
FUJI ANNOUNCER
Cannonball Taylor, fastest Grand
Prix seed in history, driving the
new ORX from Remmington Racecars.
BEN BURNS
She looks mighty tight.
FUJI ANNOUNCER.
There is an odd numbered field
today, nineteen, one shy of a full
boat as Katsu Okamoto declined his
automatic invitation after winning
the Casa Cristo.
BEN BURNS
Hey there's something going on
down there.
CASS JONES
We're seeing some kind of
commotion down at the trailer
entrance.
EXT. TRAILER ENTRANCE
A large group of security officials are gathered, staring
at the invitation in Speed's hand.
One of them starts to shake his head when he hears--
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
Is there a problem here, officer?
TNT. GRAND PRIX PENTHOUSE
Remmington is in his element, everything seeming to go
exactly as planned until Gennie comes up behind him and
whispers in his ear.
GENNIE
Sir, we have a problem.
INT. RACE OFFICIAL'S ROOM
The doors burst open as Remmington charges in. His eyes
flash as though seeing ghosts when confronted by the
entire Racer clan.
REMMINGTON
What madness is going on here?
143.
CONTINUED:
SENIOR RACE OFFICIAL
Mr. Remmington, this is a
legitimate invitation. We have
verified it.
REMMINGTON
Where did you get that?
SPEED
I was on the Okamoto team
remember? I won it fair and
square.
REMMINGTON
This is preposterous! He can't be
allowed to race. It's too late.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
The ruling on this is quite clear.
Try to stop it and you'll be in
blatant violation of the WRL
charter, leaving me no option but
to shut this years Prix down until
a full investigation can be
completed.
REMMINGTON
What?! Do you have any idea what
that would cost? Are you insane?
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
Try me.
Remmington stews then spits a threat at Speed.
REMMINGTON
You'll regret this.
SPEED
Doubt it.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
Something big is going on because
every race official has been--
wait, wait. An announcement is
being made. A new driver is being
added to the field.
BEN BURNS
Holy sh--
144
CONTINUED:
BLEEP.
Ben Burns gets bleeped by the network censors.
EXT. BIG BOARD
A name flashes on as the driver is added.
FEMALE ANNOUNCER VOICE
Now driving in the twentieth and
final position, Speed Racer.
The roar from the crowd shakes the windows of--
INT. GRAND PRIX PENTHOUSE
Concerned, knitted brows search the room in quiet panic
while in private--
Horuko allows herself the faintest smile.
INT. PRIVATE OFFICE
Remmington meets in secret with Cannonball Taylor.
REMMINGTON
A million dollars to the driver
that takes Racer out.
CANNONBALL
He won't get out of the blocks.
REMMINGTON
I prefer him to not even make it
out of the locker room.
Cannonball smiles as Remmington starts to turn.
REMMINGTON (CONT'D)
We're installing a spear hook on
the GRX.
CANNONBALL
I don't need one to beat that
punk.
REMMINGTON
A precaution.
145.
INT. LOCKER ROOM
Speed begins laying out all of his things while the other
drivers move around him, wolves stalking prey.
In a mirror, a Yakuza tattooed driver eyes Speed while
drawing a straight razor up his neck.
Speed tries to ignore him, digging through his bag,
getting more and more flustered until he realizes--
He forgot the red socks.
SPEED
Oh no...
EXT. GRAND PRIX GRANDSTANDS
The Racer family finds their seats.
INT. LOCKER ROOM
The Yukuza man moves up behind a despairing Speed,
straight razor flashing as--
The Gray Ghost cuts him off.
GRAY GHOST
Hey kid--
:
SPEED
The Gray Ghost...
GRAY GHOST
Just wanted to say good luck.
He reaches out to shake, then whispers.
GRAY GHOST (CONT'D)
There's a million dollar bounty on
your head.
SPEED
A million dollars? Wow. Maybe I
should take myself out.
GRAY GHOST
Watch yourself. Your ruffling
some pretty major feathers here.
146.
CONTINUED:
SPEED
Why aren't you after the bounty?
GRAY GHOST
Our little dance at Fuji--that's
how it should always be.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
As the cars take to the field you
can feel the anticipation mounting
in the audience. Something is
different. There is an
electricity in the air. The
presence of Speed Racer has
completely changed the equation.
INT. LOCKER ROOM
Speed is sitting, still not dressed. The broken ritual
has him confused, not sure how to begin.
A dressed and helmeted driver heads straight at him but
is diverted by--
RACER X
Speed Racer?
Speed turns, taking a moment to realize the handsome
millionaire playboy in the tux is unmasked Racer X. He
glances down at Speed's belongings and sees a picture of
Rex.
SPEED
Oh, yeah.
PLAYBOY/RACER X
I'm quite a fan of yours and just
wanted to say how glad I am to see
you here.
As they shake hands, Racer X realizes that something is
wrong.
PLAYBOY/RACER X (CONT'D)
Is something wrong?
SPEED
I just... I got this thing... its
stupid, I know, a superstition,
but I guess all of us got one.
147.
CONTINUED:
PLAYBOY/RACER X
Can I help?
Speed suddenly notices the red trim of his tuxedo and his
red tie. He looks down and heaves a sigh of relief.
Red socks.
INT. PLAYER'S TUNNEL
Speed rushes out of the darkness of the tunnel into the
brightly colored, awe-inspiring venue that is the Grand
Priz Coliseum.
There is a dizzying onslaught of giant advertisements and
jumbotrons while the enormous crowd roars in lapping
waves like the surrounding ocean.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
There he is now, Speed Racer,
perhaps the biggest wild card in
Grand Prix history.
EXT. GRAND PRIX STARTING LINE
Floating camera blimps seem to hover everywhere including
right next to Speed--
Catching him unawares with a gaper's mouth.
The image of Speed looking overwhelmed is immediately
broadcast onto the jumbotrons eliciting a laugh from the
crowds.
EXT. GRAND PRIX GRANDSTANDS
Trixie sees Speed on the big screens.
TRIXIE
Look! There's Speed!
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
Speed Racer gets his first eyeful
of the Coliseum.
148.
CONTINUED:
BEN
This ain't Kansas baby!
EXT. STARTING LINE
The gorgeous Prince Kabala struts for the crowd while a
team of beautiful female mechanics push his jewel
encrusted car into place.
He sees Speed helping Sparky push the Mach 5 into place.
PRINCE
Hey, mouth-breather, get used to
THIS--
He shows Speed his ass.
PRINCE (CONT'D)
'Cause that's what you're going to
be looking at all day!
Speed tries to ignore him and the other driver's staring
at him like a fox staring at a chicken.
SPARKY
Howya feelin'?
Speed takes a breath as he dares to look around again.
SPEED
.it's big.
SPARKY
Hey, this cockpit is the exact
same size it was at Thunderhead.
SPEED
Right.
SPARKY
Just wanted to say, thanks, for
what could be the most exciting
moment of my life.
SPEED
Couldn't have gotten here without
you.
He hugs him.
149.
CONTINUED:
SPARKY
I'm looking forward to that cold
milk.
SPEED
Me too.
Speed climbs in as the speaker system blares--
FEMALE ANNOUNCER VOICE
Ladies and gentlemen, start your
engines.
The engines erupt, crashing against the waves of the
roaring crowd but--
Inside the Mach 5 everything goes completely silent.
Nothing exists now for Speed except the track as he loses
all separation between himself and his car.
He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes as the
countdown begins.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
The final countdown has begun and
a stillness has fallen over this
stadium as all eyes turn to one
car.
BEN BURNS
This ain't a race. It's a
showdown.
EXT. GRAND PRIX
Again we cut to the many varied expressions of
anticipation: Trixie, Mushi, Okamoto, Sprittle, and Chim-
chim, Katsu and Horuko, Mom and Pops, Remmington and
Racer X who no longer has any socks, until--
The gun sounds--
The cars become bullets hurdled forward, except for the
car in front of Speed which barely moves blocking his
PATH--
He tries to avoid it but can't, rear-ending him while the
car behind him slams into the back of the Mach 5.
150.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
Trouble at the start, a misfire
traps Speed Racer, causing a
COLLISION--
BEN BURNS
Uh-oh. Look out!
EXT. GRAND PRIX STARTING LINE
A car to the side swerves aiming straight at Speed who
manages at the last second a slip-jack jump--
Flipping over the car as it slams into the pile-up while--
Speed guns his engine in the air so that when he hits the
track there is a scream of burning rubber and the Mach 5
rockets out of the start to the cheering crowd.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
I don't know how he got out of
that one--
BEN BURNS
That-kid's wiley.
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
The first lap of the Grand Prix is Ben Hur brutal as car
after car takes a shot at Speed but--
He uses their aggressiveness throwing them into each other--
Littering the track with flaming debris and bouncing
cocoons.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
They try to keep up but Speed is even too fast for them.
CASS JONES
Speed fakes left, jumps right--
BEN BURNS
Nice, nice--
151.
CONTINUED:
CASS JONES
He slips in behind Gearbox---
BEN BURNS
Here comes over under--
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
Speed executes another beautiful maneuver sending Gearbox
crashing into Boom-Boom--
Both cars going boom-boom, their rubber cocoons bouncing
free.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
Ben Burns is giddy with glee.
BEN BURNS
I told you! I told you!
CASS JONES
Speed Racer seems unstoppable,
moving up from dead last, nearing
the leaders as they head into the
slalom with the Gray Ghost
battling Prince Kabala and
Cannonball Taylor for the lead.
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
The Prince tries to sight the Ghost in his mirrors but
the Gray Ghost seems to vanish.
GRAY GHOST
Where am I? Where am I? I'm
here. I am over there. I'm
Savior Faire!
The Prince tries to block the Ghost but he can't seem to
locate him.
GRAY GHOST (CONT'D)
I'm everywhere, baby!
Wham! The Ghost is on him, pouncing, slipping into what
feels like a shoulder throw that sends the Prince
spinning out of control onto the onrushing Nitro--
Shattering the Prince's car like a mis-struck diamond
reduced in one hammer stroke to twinkling dust.
152.
CONTINUED:
The two more cocoons bounce onto the road as the other
cars roar past.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
A spectacular crash as the
Prince's jewel-covered Gigerbon
worth an estimated 22 million
dollars is scattered over a
quarter mile of track.
BEN BURNS
I'd like to work clean up on that
crash.
They chuckle.
CASS JONES
But look out, as they approach the
Big Drop, here comes Speed Racer?
EXT. THE BIG DROP
The cars head over as though falling off the end of
Niagara and while other drivers cling to their steering
wheels just trying to hang on--
Speed presses the accelerator, making his move--
Banking higher than anyone up the big wall and when he
dives back down there are only three cars left ahead of
HIM--
The green Mushi motors car, the Gray Ghost, and the Black
GRX.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
Speed Racer is knocking on the
door of the new GRX driven by
Cannonball Taylor.
BEN BURNS
You hoot Anybody home?
153.
INT. MACH 5
SPEED
Ok Mr. Two Time Grand Prix, Five
time WRL, future Hall of Fame,
teach me something.
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
Speed makes a move and Cannonball blocks, but it is
clumsy and Speed quickly counters--
Bouncing Cannonball into the wall.
SPEED
Come on! Is that it?
He swerves back and the two cars begin to battle but it
is immediately clear who is the better driver, as--
Speed throws Cannonball from one side of the track to the
other.
TNT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
Cannonball Taylor is in trouble.
BEN BURNS
Tear `em up kid!
INT. GRAND PRIX PENTHOUSE
The knuckles of Remmington's fist crackle as he wrings
the tension.
REMMINGTON
Do it. Stop him. Stop him now.
INT. MACH 5
SPEED
Lesson's over. See you at the
finish line.
Speed slides into Cannonball to throw him but as he does--
154.
CONTINUED:
Cannonball throws a hidden switch and under the two cars
a spear hook shoots out and locks onto the Mach 5
undercarriage.
Speed feels it and knows what happened immediately.
SPEED (CONT'D)
No!
SPARKY
What is it?
SPEED
Spear hook! He's got me!
Cannonball slows driving both cars into the wall,
grinding against the Mach 5 while the trailing cars shoot
post.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
Cannonball has Speed pinned as
they grind through the butterfly
turn.
INT. GRAND PRIX PENTHOUSE
Remmington relaxes as Speed falls further off the leader
pace.
EXT. GRAND PRIX GRANDSTANDS
Sprittle understands immediately what is going on.
SPRITTLE
That cheater! He's using a spear
hook! SPEAR HOOK! SPEAR HOOK!
The surrounding crowd becomes uncomfortable.
POPS
Sprittle, we don't know that.
SPRITTLE
I do! Cannonball Taylor is
nothing but a big cheater!
155.
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
They exit the butterfly turn and head into the slalom,
both drivers fighting hard to force the other into the
onrushing concrete pylons.
The paint is scraped first from the outside of the Mach 5
and then the GRX as they barely avoid one pylon and then
another, neither car gaining an advantage until--
The Mach 5 begins to rattle, the stronger GRX taking
advantage as they head for the final pylon---
Where the camera that is broadcasting the two cars onto
the jumbo-tron is positioned.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
BEN BURNS
This is going to be ugly.
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
At the last second, Speed hits the two outside jacks
causing both cars to rise up onto the two outside wheels
of the GRX--
Revealing the undercarriage and the hidden spear hook to
the camera.
The crowd gasps.
SPRITTLE
Told you so!
Chim-chim high fives him.
SPRITTLE (CONT'D)
Cheaters never prosper!
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
The Mach 5 flips down, pancaking the GRX, while the Mach
5 crashes free, leaving the exposed spear hook to hang
limply from the front of the GRX.
156.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
Cannonball clearly using a spear
hook.
BEN BURNS
That could cost him the Hall of
Fame.
CASS JONES
Not to mention what it might do to
Remmington Industries.
BEN BURNS
Shame on them.
INT. GRAND PRIX PENTHOUSE
People begin drifting away from Remmington as he feels
the walls close in around him.
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
switch but
Speed tries to start the Mach 5. He hits the
the starter only grinds.
EXT. PIT STOP
SPARKY
Oh no, come on, don't do this.
EXT. GRAND PRIX GRANDSTANDS
Pops watches through his binoculars.
POPS
Don't quit on us now baby.
INT. GRAND PRIX LUXURY BOXES
Racer X is watching with Minx.
RACER X
Careful. Listen to it. Don't
kill the starter.
157.
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
Speed takes a deep breath and it seems the entire stadium
takes it with him. He closes his eyes and tries to
listen to the car.
SPEED
What do you need?
Something makes him put the car in second gear. He steps
on the accelerator, then hits the starter and---
And the Mach 5 roars to life.
The crowd screams to the wail of burning rubber.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
He's back in it, but less than a
lap and a half, I don't know what
kind of chance he has.
BEN BURNS
Come on kid! Move it!
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
The red socks flash as Speed stomps on it, jamming the
accelerator to the floor.
He's a half-lap behind the entire field but every eye in
the stadium is on the white and red streak of lightening
as it--
Thunders by, rattling the elaborate lace work of concrete
and steel--
Gaining, inch by inch, foot by foot.
INT. GRAND PRIX PENTHOUSE
People abandon the televised images, wanting to watch
this miracle, to see it with their own eyes.
158.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
Look at the split! He's shattering
the lap record.
BEN BURNS
Don't mean a thing without those
checkers.
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
Speed comes out of the spiral, glimpsing the back of the
trailers as they go over the Big Drop.
Where they ease over the edge, Speed hurls out, going
airborne, free-falling past two trailers, as--
The grade of the slope reaches up and gently eases the
Mach 5 back onto the track, to the delight of the crowd.
The Mach 5 surfs up the big bank, weaving through another
pair that try to stop him with spectacularly disastrous
results.
outside the Mach 5 a maelstrom of violent chaos churns
WHILE--
Inside, Speed is perfectly at pease.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
No hesitation, nothing fazes him,
no one seems capable of stopping
him.
BEN BURNS
This kid ain't just driving--he's
on a mission.
INT. GRAND PRIX PENTHOUSE
Remmington can't take it, losing all pretense of decorum.
REMMINGTON
Stop him! Stop him!
159.
EXT. GRAND PRIX TRACK
Speed weaves through the butterfly cloverleaf, taking
each turn at such intense speeds that the cars he passes
seem to be moving in slow motion.
By the end of the slalom, he is back where he left off,
with two cars left ahead of him--
Mushi motors and the Gray Ghost.
GRAY GHOST
Welcome back kid. Been lonely up
here without you.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
With a quarter lap to go Speed
Racer is back, two cars beneath
him and destiny.
INT. MACH 5
Speed suddenly feels the weight of everything that has
brought him. to this point.
He. sees images and hears voices, flashing through his
head, as though at his own death.
The montage finishes with the image of Speed as a ten
year old boy, drawing pictures of race cars, making all
the noises, lost in a dreamworld that has become reality.
He sees the finish line and makes his move.
The Gray Ghost sees it coming first.
GRAY GHOST
Oh yeah, here we go, here we go.
Speed flashes one way, then another, moving in ghost-like
feigns, here there, and everywhere.
GRAY GHOST (CONT'D)
What's this? What's this? Hey
now! That's my move!
Before Ghost knows where to go, Speed ducks past--
160.
CONTINUED:
Sling-shotting down alongside the Mushi motors car. The
Yukuza driver tries to block but--
Speed jumps, dodging the hit, causing the Mushi car to
swerve and then wildly correct--
Swinging back as Speed hop-scotches over him again, just
AS--
The Ghost flies in, taking a broadside hit from the Mushi
car, both of them exploding just feet from the finish
line, as--
Speed launches up and through the cloud of smoke and
fire, crossing into history with the flashing wave of the
checkered black and white--
Fluttering softly in the silence as the crowd begins to
rise to their feet.
The Mach 5 slides to a stop and for a moment Speed
catches his breath, then, slowly pulling off his helmet
he begins to let it all in--
The thunder of the crowd can be felt through his chest
straight to his heart.
INT. GRAND PRIX PENTHOUSE
Remmington screams, overturning a table of caviar and
lobster, crashing the elaborate ice sculpture of the GRX
at the feet of Mushi who turns and walks away in disgust.
EXT. GRAND PRIX GRANDSTANDS
Pops' chest is out, tears running down to his moustache
as he wraps his arms around Mom, who goes to pieces as
Chim-chim and Sprittle leap up and down, hugging Trixie
AS--
INT. GRAND PRIX PENTHOUSE
The smiles of Katsu and his father are gone giving Horuko
no end of secret joy.
EXT. FINISH LINE
The crowd storms over the barriers, swarming Speed and
the Mach 5.
161.
INT. GRAND PRIX ANNOUNCER'S BOOTH
CASS JONES
It's a pandemonium! People have
gone completely crazy! In
fourteen years we've never seen
anything like this!
BEN BURNS
It's a whole new world baby, a
whole new world.
EXT. FINISH LINE
The crowd lifts Speed up onto their shoulders as we
collage-pan to--
INT. LUXURY BOXES GRAND PRIX
Racer X watching his brother, a smile on his lips.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
He did it.
Racer X lowers his binos and turns to the inspector.
RACER
Yes, he did.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
This could change everything.
RACER X
It already has.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
My men are bringing the family
down. Do you want to go with
them?
RACER X
He turns and takes Minx by the arm.
INSPECTOR DETECTOR
Can I ask you a question? Do you
ever think you made a mistake,
hiding the truth from them?
162.
CONTINUED:
There is a flash of images as we glimpse the truth;
images of Rex watching his car explode in the ice caves,
his funeral, then the facial surgery, then the mask of
bandages as one face is lost in a mirror and another is
revealed.
RACER X
If I did, then it's a mistake I
have to live with.
He walks away while---
EXT. VICTORY LANE
Several of the other driver's led by the Gray Ghost
applaud and salute Speed as--
The Racer family is led through the swarm of
photographers and fans.
TRIXIE
Speed!
She pushes towards him and he sweeps her up into his arms
and kisses her, surrounded by the sparkle of camera flash
AS---
Sprittle covers Chim-chim's eyes.
SPRITTLE
Danger. May cause cookies.
Mom and Pops both hug Speed, their eyes bright with joy
AS--
We rise up, up, and away.
Roll snazzy credits.
THE END
