High School Musical and Hairspray star Zac Efron is in talks to star in the title role of Speed Racer.

Efron was granted permission by Disney to leave the High School Musical 2 set for a day so that he could attend a Speed Racer callback audition.

The live-action adaptation of the Japanese cartoon series is being made by The Matrix filmmakers Andy and Larry Wachowski. The movie is scheduled to for a May 23, 2008 release.

- Zac Efron pictures

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)