IShowSpeed to Star in New Anime Series from Big Shot Pictures

Big Shot Pictures, founded by former Paramount co-CEO Brian Robbins, is developing an anime series featuring popular YouTube creator IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr. This project marks one of IShowSpeed's first ventures into narrative-driven content. The series will be written by Matt Owens, known for his work as co-showrunner on Netflix's "One Piece." The production team is preparing to market the series in the coming months, although specific plot details remain undisclosed.

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• IShowSpeed (Darren Jason Watkins Jr.): A prominent YouTube creator with over 52 million subscribers, recognized for his engaging content in sports, gaming, and music. He expressed excitement about the project, stating, “I’ve always loved anime, so being able to create something like this is a dream come true for me.”

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• Brian Robbins: The founder of Big Shot Pictures, Robbins has a history of overseeing major family franchises at Paramount Pictures, including "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "SpongeBob." He emphasized IShowSpeed's unique ability to connect with audiences globally.

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• Matt Owens: The series writer and producer, Owens has transitioned from "One Piece" to focus on this new project, highlighting his commitment to mental health alongside his professional endeavors.

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Big Shot Pictures launched in 2025 with approximately $100 million in venture funding, supported by investors such as Sony Pictures Entertainment, Greycroft, MarcyPen Capital Partners, ValueAct Capital, and CAA. The studio aims to create family-friendly programming and capitalize on the growing popularity of anime. In addition to the IShowSpeed series, Big Shot has acquired the rights to the children's book series "Eloise at the Plaza," intending to expand it across various platforms.

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IShowSpeed remarked on the collaborative nature of the project, praising the talent involved. Robbins echoed this sentiment, describing IShowSpeed as a "one-of-a-kind creative force" whose global fanbase enhances the project's potential.

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While the project has garnered excitement, there are concerns regarding the commercialization of creator-driven content and the potential dilution of artistic integrity in favor of marketability. Critics argue that the anime genre's expansion into mainstream platforms may overlook the nuances that make it appealing to dedicated fans.

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Big Shot Pictures plans to present the IShowSpeed anime series package to potential distributors soon. As the project develops, further details regarding the series' content and release timeline are anticipated.

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• “I’ve always loved anime, so being able to create something like this is a dream come true for me,” — IShowSpeed

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• “ Robbins said, “Speed is a one-of-a-kind creative force whose ability to connect with audiences transcends borders and platforms.” — Brian Robbins

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