The Wachowskis returned to directing with '' Speed Racer '' ( 2008 ) which starred Emile Hirsch . The film , which was again produced by Silver , was an adaptation of a 1960s Japanese manga series originally called '' Mach GoGoGo '' , which had previously been adapted as an anime television series in 1967 . The Wachowskis were attracted to the project because the series was the first anime they had watched and they wanted to make a family friendly film for their nieces and nephews to enjoy . In an effort to simulate the look of anime in live action the Wachowskis had cinematographer David Tattersall shoot the movie digitally on a digital backlot with the intention of adding extensive visual effects in post-production . The movie was considered a critical and commercial disappointment . While its special effects were noted as outstanding , the storyline is considered lacking . It was nominated in the category of " Worst Prequel , Remake , Rip-off or Sequel " for the 29th Golden Raspberry Awards . Its box office gross was $ 93 million compared to a production budget of $ 120 million . Since then , critics periodically have put the film on lists of underrated or cult films
29th Golden Raspberry Awards
29th Golden Raspberry Awards
The Wachowskis