Brandon Sanderson Ranks The Matrix Directors’ Failed Cult Classic

Critically acclaimed fantasy author, Brandon Sanderson, reveals his true feelings about a failed cult classic film.

The brilliant minds behind the Matrix, Lana and Lily Wachowskis, were also responsible for the 2008 adaptation of a popular manga, Speed Racer. Although the movie initially flopped and was overall considered a commercial failure at the box office, it eventually garnered an impressive fanbase and became a cult classic. And, Sanderson is among the many fans who enjoyed the movie, praising the Wachowskis siblings and their work.

Sanderson praised Speed Racer during an episode of the Intentionally Blank podcast, where he made it clear that he absolutely loved the film. The author considers the movie one of the Wachowskis’ best projects and believes it deserved far more appreciation than it received upon release.

Sanderson said he considers Speed Racer a perfect movie, giving the movie a ten out of ten score. He believes that its larger than life tone and heartfelt narrative were part of what made it so enjoyable, even if those qualities may not have been appreciated by everyone when the adaptation was first released.

Speed Racer was based on the manga and anime series of the same name. Expectations were high for the movie because the Matrix was one of the most influential science fiction franchises at the time. However, it ultimately failed, grossing around $93 million worldwide off a reported budget of $120 million. Critical response to Speed Racer was also disappointing.

Sanderson’s comments implied that a lot of the elements that audiences criticized Speed Racer for were also the things that made it great for others. The author said he loved how the movie was over-the-top, visually bright, and its wholesome themes. It can be argued that all of these components were what contributed to Speed Racer becoming a cult classic over the years.

Speed Racer follows an 18-year-old racer named Speed, who is committed to his family’s business, Racer Motors. As a result, he turns down an offer from the manipulative company, Royalton Industries. Speed competes in the dangerous Crucible cross-country rally as he fights to protect his family and challenge all the corrupt corporations in the industry. The film stars Emile Hirsch, Nicholas Elia, Christina Ricci, Ariel Winter, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, and Matthew Fox.