Warner Plans Speedy Gonzales Movie Voiced by Mexican Comedian Eugenio Derbez

Speedy Gonzales, one of the most iconic cartoon characters from the wide and beloved Warner Bros. library, is apparently getting his own movie -- and the studio's getting one of the biggest names in Mexican comedy! Eugenio Derbez, the man who voiced Donkey in Spanish-language Shrek, will be playing the fastest mouse in Mexico.

Deadline confirmed the first rumors of the movie, so far tentatively entitled Speedy, by speaking directly to Derbez. The actor, who often writes and directs his own material (such as the 2013 film, Instructions Not Included), excitedly talked about his involvement in the project, saying the character has been a strong reference in his life.

"In Mexico we grew up watching Speedy Gonzales," said. "He was like a superhero to us, or maybe more like a revolutionario like Simon Bolivar or Pacho Villa. He watched out for the little people but with a lot of bravado and a weakness for the ladies. I'm really excited to be bringing this character to the big screen. And besides being Mexican -- my full name is Eugenio Derbez Gonzalez and I have big ears. The casting couldn't be better."

Barely a few weeks back, Derbez was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after a career that has spanned over three decades in show business, most notably in his home country of Mexico. His work back home has included long-running series La Familia P. Luche and 90s sketch show Al Derecho y al Derbez, and his most recent Hollywood film was the Jennifer Garner-led Christian drama, Miracles from Heaven.

The character of Speedy Gonzales has met with some controversy in the past few decades, as some audiences have pointed out it moves forward negative stereotypes about Hispanics in general and Mexicans in particular. Back in 2002, the character was banned from Cartoon Network, but ultimately returned due to popular demand ... from the Hispanic community.

As The Huffington Post points out, opinions on Speedy Gonzales remain divisive in the community.

via GIPHY