Highlights
- IShowSpeed partners with Matt Owens and Big Shot Pictures for a lead role in an upcoming anime series.
- The project features Speed voicing an animated version of himself, backed by producers Brian Robbins and Harmony Korine.
- Currently in development, the series utilizes a Sony Pictures distribution deal to bring the streamer's global brand to animation.
Global streaming superstar IShowSpeed is officially jumping from live broadcasts into the anime world. Announced on April 8, the 21-year-old creator, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., is teaming up with Matt Owens, the former writer and co-showrunner of Netflix's hit live-action One Piece adaptation, to star in a brand-new animated series.
As reported by Variety, the highly anticipated project is currently in the works at Big Shot Pictures. The newly launched animation company was founded earlier this year by former Paramount co-CEO Brian Robbins, who is throwing serious creative weight behind the show. While the actual plot details are still locked up tight, the series is set to feature an animated version of Speed himself, with the streamer lending his voice and signature chaotic energy to the lead character.
"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 regarding the announcement. "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 is stepping in to script the series and will also serve as a producer. This marks a major new chapter for the writer, who stepped away from his role on One Piece last year to take a break and focus on his mental health. He is joined on the production side by Robbins and acclaimed Spring Breakers director Harmony Korine.
From IRL Streams to Anime Dreams
Robbins was quick to praise the young streamer's massive, undeniable appeal. "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."
While this is Speed's first real dive into a scripted, narrative project, the leap to anime makes total sense for anyone who has been paying attention. Longtime fans know all about his deep, authentic love for the medium. His connection to One Piece is especially well-documented, with the creator even securing official permission to stream the iconic anime in the past.
It’s a massive milestone for Watkins, who has been posting online since the late 2010s but saw a meteoric, explosive rise to fame around 2022. Driven by his viral gaming sessions and unpredictable IRL streams, he now commands a staggering audience of over 52 million YouTube subscribers and took home the Streamer of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025.
Right now, the IShowSpeed anime series doesn't have an official release date. Big Shot Pictures is currently preparing to shop the package to major buyers soon, sitting comfortably on a first-look distribution deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment. With top talent agencies representing both Speed and Owens, the entertainment industry is definitely buzzing to see how the streamer's raw energy will translate into a fully realized animated universe.
