Release-date brinksmanship is a time-honored tradition in the movie biz, particularly when it comes to the summer blockbusters, and Warner Bros. is getting an early head start on next summer's schedule: Variety reports that "Speed Racer" will hit American theaters on May 9, 2008, two weeks earlier than originally planned.

The official reason being given, according to studio executive Veronika Kwan-Rubinek: "Opening 'Speed Racer' day-and-date with the U.S. in most international markets will not only allow audiences to see the film early but will maximize business before the start of the European Soccer Championships." This is fancy studio-speak, of course, for "We're trying to get a top-grossing weekend in between 'Iron Man' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.'"

"Speed Racer," directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski and produced by Joel Silver, is a live-action adaptation of the popular cartoon, and is rumored to star Vince Vaughn. Between the three movies we've already mentioned, and "Indiana Jones IV," set for the 23rd, May 2008 is shaping up to be an expensive one for moviegoers.

Source: Variety