10 Movie Unmaskings That Shocked EVERYONE

Having been in development for a ridiculous 16 years, hopes were high when Speed Racer zoomed to the silver screen in 2008. And while the reception to the movie wasn't entirely positive, the film was never anything less than a visual delight.

With Emile Hirsch's Speed starting to believe that his rival-turned-mentor Racer X is really his long-dead brother Rex Racer, the middle act of the film sees an enraged Speed confront the mysterious, masked Racer X as he looks to find out the truth for himself.

What was initially shocking here, is that Matthew Fox's unmasked Racer X isn't Speed Racer's brother. It's a jarring moment that went against the established narrative of such feel-good movies of years gone by, and it was something that obviously took Speed Racer aback.

And that was that...

Well, until the closing minutes of Speed Racer throw that unmasking on its head by revealing that, yes, Racer X is indeed Rex Racer. Courtesy of a timely flashback, we see that Rex faked his own death, underwent extensive plastic surgery, and has maintained this secret in order to protect his family and to protect his beloved sport of fast cars and competition.