Richard Roundtree (Heroes) has joined the cast of Warner Bros. Pictures' Speed Racer, Larry and Andy Wachowski's live-action adaptation of the 1960s cartoon, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Speed Racer 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 is under way in Berlin.

Speed Racer was released May 9th, 2008 and stars Emile Hirsch, Nicholas Elia, Susan Sarandon, Melissa Holroyd, Ariel Winter, Scott Porter, Gian Ganziano, Peter Fernandez. The film is directed by Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski.