IShowSpeed Tapped for Anime Series Written by One Piece Showrunner
‘The Next Tarkovsky’ Goes 2D: IShowSpeed Tapped for Anime Series Written by One Piece Showrunner
LOS ANGELES — In a collision of internet chaos and high-concept prestige, YouTube powerhouse IShowSpeed (Darren Jason Watkins Jr.) is officially taking his high-energy persona into the world of Japanese animation. Variety confirmed Wednesday that the 21-year-old streamer is set to headline a new anime series produced by avant-garde filmmaker Harmony Korine and written by former One Piece live-action showrunner Matt Owens.
The project is the flagship announcement for Big Shot Pictures, a new animation and mixed-style studio founded earlier this year by former Paramount co-CEO Brian Robbins.
From Stream to Screen
The untitled series will feature an animated protagonist bearing Speed’s likeness and voice. While plot details remain under wraps, the creative team suggests the project will capitalize on the streamer’s global, cross-border appeal and his well-documented obsession with the One Piece franchise.
“I’ve always loved anime, so being able to create something like this is a dream come true for me,” Speed told Variety in a statement. “The team behind this project is incredibly talented, and I can’t wait for my fans around the world to see what we’re building together.”
A ‘One-of-a-Kind’ Creative Alliance
The pairing of Speed with Harmony Korine (Spring Breakers, Aggro Dr1ft) is perhaps the most unexpected element of the deal. Korine has been a vocal supporter of the streamer, famously calling him “the next Tarkovsky” in 2024 and describing him as the future of filmmaking.
The inclusion of Matt Owens adds serious weight to the production. Owens, who led the first two seasons of Netflix’s One Piece to massive critical and commercial success, stepped away from the pirate epic last year "to take a break." This anime marks his major return to the scriptwriter’s chair.
The ‘Speed Anime’ Power Players
| Role | Talent | Previous Credits |
| Star / Protagonist | IShowSpeed | 30M+ YouTube Subscribers |
| Writer / Producer | Matt Owens | One Piece (Netflix), Luke Cage |
| Producer | Harmony Korine | Kids, Spring Breakers, Aggro Dr1ft |
| Studio Head | Brian Robbins | Former Co-CEO of Paramount; Smallville |
| Animation Studio | Big Shot Pictures | Debut Project |
Bridging the Creator-Hollywood Divide
For Brian Robbins, the project is a "Big Bet" on the viability of YouTube creators as legitimate narrative stars. Having co-founded AwesomenessTV over a decade ago, Robbins is doubling down on the idea that global fanbases like Speed’s can translate into massive multi-platform franchises.
“Speed is a one-of-a-kind creative force whose ability to connect with audiences transcends borders and platforms,” Robbins said. “As a performer, he’s built a truly global fanbase, and Big Shot is the perfect home to amplify that.”
The "Speed World" Expansion
The anime marks Speed’s most ambitious step into professional acting following his viral appearances at WWE events and his record-breaking IRL (in real life) streams across Asia and Europe. Critics point out that while Speed is a newcomer to narrative fiction, his "unscripted" streams often carry the emotional intensity and physical comedy of a Shōnen protagonist.
With production currently underway at the newly minted Big Shot offices, industry insiders expect a teaser trailer to drop during Anime Expo 2026 later this summer.
