The Wachowskis may have found Speed Racer’s parents. Susan Sarandon and John Goodman are in negotiations to take those parts in their new live action version of the old cartoon, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Emile Hirsch is already on board to play Speed.

Sarandon’s presence makes me think that maybe the Wachowskis actually know what they’re doing. I mean, ‘Speed Racer’ was godawful cartoon and really didn’t need to be resurrected and turned into a movie, but Susan Sarandon isn’t in the habit of signing up for total dreck is she? On the other hand… she did do The Banger Sisters. John Goodman, a veteran of such films as One Night at McCools, and Blues Brothers 2000 is certainly no stranger to crap. But he’s also done a lot of great stuff too. Any chance this could be his next Big Lebowski? Ok it’s a slim chance, but I love Goodman. I’m taking it.

These aren’t cameos, Speed’s parents figure prominently as part of his race team. Goodman is Pops, a race car owner and builder. Sarandon will also be a member of Speed Racer’s Mach 5 racing team. At least she’s not playing the monkey.

John Goodman can next be seen in a movie called Drunkboat. Yes that’s right, Drunkboat. If it’s a success, he’s also signed for the sequels Buffet Battleship and then Heart Attack Island. Susan Sarandon can next be seen in nearly every movie being released in 2007.