Richard Roundtree has joined Warner Bros. Pictures live-action adaptation of the 60's anime "Speed Racer" says The Hollywood Reporter.

"Speed" centers on young race car driver Speed (Emile Hirsch) and his quest for glory in his thundering, gadget-laden Mach 5.

Roundtree will play Ben Burns, a racer-turned-commentator who is an icon to the fans and a hero to Speed.

Roundtree joins a cast that includes Matthew Fox, Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon and John Goodman. Shooting, under the helm of the Wachowski Brothers, is under way in Berlin.