Streamer IShowSpeed (real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr.) is collaborating with live-action One Piece co-showrunner Matt Owens on a new anime series.
Variety reports the project is in the works at Big Shot Pictures, the animation company founded by former Paramount co-CEO Brian Robbins earlier this year. Details about the project’s story, which is said to feature an animated version of IShowSpeed, have yet to be revealed.
“I’ve always loved anime, so being able to create something like this is a dream come true for me,” IShowSpeed 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.”
Owens, who aided as co-showrunner on the One Piece adaptation for two seasons before stepping away “to take a break” last year, is writing the IShowSpeed series. He’s also on board as a producer, as is Robbins and Spring Breakers director Harmony Korine.
Although IShowSpeed has been publishing content online since the late 2010s, his meteoric rise didn’t truly begin until around 2022. His gaming and IRL (in real life) YouTube streams helped propel him to become one of the most recognizable faces in the streaming world today, but his work with Big Shot marks his first deep dive into a narrative project.
Despite being a newcomer to the space, longtime fans of his content may not be too surprised to see IShowSpeed taking the plunge into the world of anime. His love for anime – especially One Piece – is well known by fans and onlookers alike, with much of his content tying into his favorite animated projects.
“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 we’re excited to help bring his voice and vision to life in a completely new way through this series.”
The IShowSpeed anime series currently has no release date. While we wait to learn more, you can read our 9/10 One Piece season 2 review. You can also see what the streamer had to say about the AI deepfakes featuring his likeness that began to circulate late last year.
Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
