Did the “Summer of Tom Holland” just got more jam-packed? Deadline reports that Amazon MGM Studios won the bidding war for “American Speed,” a race car drama with Holland and Austin Butler attached to star. “American Speed” marks the third upcoming blockbuster starring Holland. The other two, Christopher Nolan‘s next project at Universal and Marvel‘s “Spider-Man 4” hit theaters in July 2026. Could “American Speed” make it three?
Dan Wiedenhaupt writes the script for “American Speed,” based on the true story of the Whittington brother, three famous racecar drivers, two of whom were caught up in the 1980s IMSA scandal, which involved driver using drug smuggling, money laundering, and tax evasion to finance their racing. So this one could be a blend of “Miami Vice” and “The Iron Claw” with a dash of “Days Of Thunder” mixed in. That doesn’t sound like a bad recipe for a summer blockbuster, but Amazon MGM hasn’t announced an official release date yet.
The project lacks a director, but Charles Rosen produces through Atlas Entertainment with R.D. Whittington and Douglas Banker. Ryan Sanak executive produces through Atlas. Rosen’s Atlas just produced “Oppenheimer,” so they’re the banner du jour. That means expect an A-list director or a hot up-and-comer to get behind the camera for this one.
As noted earlier, Holland’s recent casting in Nolan’s next film and the official announcement of “Spider-Man 4” have the actor poised for another surge of stardom. He didn’t have a movie in theaters this year, but Butler had several projects hit the big and small screen in 2024. Apple TV+‘s “Masters Of The Air” came first for Butler, then “Dune: Part Two” and then Jeff Nichols‘ “The Bikeriders.” Up next for Butler? He’s currently shooting Darren Aronofsky‘s “Caught Stealing” in NYC.
As for Wiedenhaupt, “American Speed” is his biggest script to date. His only other writing credit is 2018’s prehistoric actioner “Alpha,” but he’s also a producer on Amazon MGM‘s upcoming sci-fi thriller “Mercy” starring Chris Pratt.
Stay tuned for more news on “American Speed,” like which lucky filmmaker gets to direct Holland and Butler.
