With a May 2008 release date, it's time to go, Speed Racer, go

Emile Hirsch is reportedly in final negotiations to take the lead role in the Wachowski brothers' "Speed Racer" film.

Just last week, Warner Bros. moved the release date for the ambitious "Speed Racer" pic up two weeks to May 9, 2008, to Hirsch's casting is a rather necessary step, particularly given the number of actors rumored for the role at various times.

"Speed Racer" -- or "Mach Go Go Go" if you want to be old school about it -- was created by Tatsuo Yoshida and premiered as an anime series in Japan in 1967. American audiences fell in love with the speedy dubbing and catchy theme song. The cartoon's story centers on a teenaged Speed Racer (Hirsch) who encounters intrigue and danger on his road to racing glory. He is aided by parents Mom and Pops Racer, girlfriend Trixie, little brother Spritle, his monkey Chim Chim and the mechanic Sparky.

The film's other key role, the mysterious Racer X, has yet to be cast.

According to the industry trades, the Wachowskis will shoot the film in Germany this summer.

Hirsch was most recently seen in "Alpha Dog." In addition to playing the lead in Sean Penn's upcoming "Into the Wild," Hirsch's credits include "Lords of Dogtown" and "The Girl Next Door."