Live-action anime adaptations have been growing in popularity in recent years, and there’s a good reason for that. As the anime medium increases in notoriety, streaming services like Netflix are attempting to recreate many of the manga classics for the “real world.” While the most notable in recent memory have been the likes of Avatar: The Last Airbender and One Piece, there was one 2008 entry that remains the cream of the crop. In a new shocking reveal, said movie from the Wachowskis is making a big return in 2026, and based on the eye-popping visuals, this is one that many fans might want to wrap their hands around.
Videos by ComicBook.com
The outlet Digital Bits revealed that none other than Warner Bros’ Speed Racer is finally receiving a 4K Ultra HD release later in 2026. Specifically, the site stated, “I’ve been pleased to see several of my favorite films reach 4K Ultra HD this past year, including Tombstone, Master And Commander, and Kingdom of Heaven. So I’m thrilled to reveal that Warner Bros Discover Home Entertainment is bringing another film I’ve long advocated to the format in 2026: The Wachowskis’ Speed Racer (2008)! Happy New Year, disc fans and ‘Go Speed Go!’” With physical media struggling to stay alive in the face of streaming, receiving this live-action anime adaptation in the 4K format might turn the heads of quite a few anime fans. A specific release date has yet to be revealed, though fans are surely counting down the days until Speed’s comeback.
What Makes Speed Racer Worth Watching?
Speed Racer was routinely touted as one of the most faithful examples of bringing an anime series to live-action, as the directors managed to retain the feel of the original television series on the silver screen. Unfortunately, the movie didn’t see success in theaters when it was first released, not even making back its production budget during its run. Luckily, the movie has become a cult classic, with many falling in love with its amazing visuals and the faithfulness it had to its source material. Unfortunately, the movie isn’t currently available to stream on HBO Max, though it can be rented or bought on various digital retailers.
If you’ve never had the chance to check out one of the Wachowskis’ brightest and fastest films, here’s how Warner Bros describes the adaptation: “Born to race cars, Speed Racer is aggressive, instinctive and, most of all, fearless. His only real competition is the memory of the brother he idolized – the legendary Rex Racer, whose death in a race has left behind a legacy that Speed is driven to fulfill. Speed is loyal to the family racing business, led by his father, Pops Racer, the designer of Speed’s thundering Mach 5. When Speed turns down a lucrative and tempting offer from Royalton Industries, he not only infuriates the company’s maniacal owner but uncovers a terrible secret – some of the biggest races are being fixed by a handful of ruthless moguls who manipulate the top drivers to boost profits.”
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
Most Viewed
-
Image courtesy of Marvel Studios. -
Image Courtesy of Studio Pierrot -
Image courtesy of Lucasfilm
