Speed Racer is coming out in theaters tomorrow, May 9th. Some of the big players include Christina Ricci, Emile Hirsh, and Susan Sarandon. But there’s also a new face–Korean R&B and pop singer, Rain! This is his first role in an American film. He plays a secondary character, Taejo Togokhan. Here’s a quick blurb about his character from IMDB:
Taejo is forced to defend his family name when they are threatened by evil empire, Royalton Industries. Togokahn Motors has been in Taejos family for five generations, notes Rain. Racing in the World Racing League has changed a great deal over the generations since Taejos family started the business. There used to be a certain nobility about the sport and the drivers, but now everything seems to be about image, branding and profits. Like Speed, my character is out to protect the family business.
And some more snapshot teasers from IMDB:
I <3 Rain. I just hope he’s been practicing his English. Imagine if he becomes the first Asian Popstar in the States? He def could give JT a run for his money.
Also very random site note about Rain…he beat out comedian Stephen Colbert for Time magazine’s online poll of the 100 most influential people of the year for the past two years (2007 & 2008). Colbert decided to parody one of Rain’s music videos, “Escaping the Sun” and aired it on this show awhile back. Check out the clip below (he talks a lot but fast-forward to the end if you just want to see the video). Hilarious.
And here’s the original “Escaping the Sun” video if you want to see more Rain hotness.
Then most recently, Rain appeared on the Colbert show (aired May 5th) and the two had a dance-off. I’m having problems embedding other flash videos into my post, so please go visit Angry Asian Men’s blog for the dance-off video.
