An animated series based on the YouTube streamer is in the works at Big Shot Pictures, with the One Piece live-action writer and a Sony distribution deal already attached
Key Facts at a Glance
- IShowSpeed is getting an anime-style series produced by Big Shot Pictures
- The show will be written by Matt Owens, who co-showran Netflix’s One Piece live-action for two seasons
- Filmmaker Harmony Korine is attached as a producer
- Big Shot Pictures was founded by former Paramount co-CEO Brian Robbins
- The company has a first-look theatrical deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment
- IShowSpeed has over 52 million YouTube subscribers and won Streamer of the Year in both 2024 and 2025
IShowSpeed Is Getting an Anime
YouTube creator IShowSpeed is getting his own anime-style series.
The project is in development at Big Shot Pictures, a production company founded by Brian Robbins. The show will feature an animated version of IShowSpeed as a character. It is described as one of his first narrative-driven projects. Plot details are not being disclosed at this stage, and Big Shot is preparing to take the package out to buyers soon.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., is 21 years old and has more than 52 million subscribers on YouTube. His content spans gaming, sports, music videos, travel, and viral IRL streams. He won Streamer of the Year at both the 2024 and 2025 Streamer Awards. For those who want a full picture of his journey on the platform, the IShowSpeed unbanned from Twitch story on TalkEsport covers an earlier chapter of his career.
In a statement, IShowSpeed said: “I’ve always loved anime, so being able to create something like this is a dream come true for me. 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.” Variety
Who Is Writing It
The series will be written by Matt Owens, who served as co-showrunner on the first two seasons of Netflix’s One Piece live-action series before announcing last year that he would be stepping away from that show to focus on his mental health. Variety
Owens co-developed the live-action One Piece adaptation from the start. He was executive producer and co-showrunner across both seasons and helped shape the show’s creative direction. After leaving One Piece in March 2025, Joe Tracz took over as showrunner for the series.
Owens is also set to produce on the IShowSpeed project alongside Brian Robbins for Big Shot. Variety Filmmaker and actor Harmony Korine is also attached as a producer.
Who Is Behind Big Shot Pictures
Brian Robbins is the founder of Big Shot Pictures. He is the former co-CEO of Paramount Global, who exited the company in August 2025 when the merger forming Paramount Skydance was completed. As head of Paramount Pictures, he oversaw major family franchises including Sonic the Hedgehog, SpongeBob, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Paw Patrol. He launched Big Shot Pictures earlier this year. Variety
The company has a first-look theatrical distribution deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment, covering both animated and hybrid live-action films. Variety
Big Shot has also acquired the rights to the children’s book series “Eloise at the Plaza,” created by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight, for adaptation across film, TV, and consumer products. Variety
In a statement about the IShowSpeed project, Robbins said Speed is “a one-of-a-kind creative force whose ability to connect with audiences transcends borders and platforms.” Variety
Matt Owens After One Piece
Owens stepped down from Netflix’s One Piece in March 2025 after working on the show for six years. In an Instagram post, he wrote that he was leaving to “focus on myself and my mental health,” adding that “the last six years of working on the live action One Piece have been a life changing journey. A dream come true.” IMDb
Netflix’s live-action One Piece Season 2 released on March 10, 2026. The series is now being led by Joe Tracz as sole showrunner, with filming for Season 3 beginning in November 2025.
The IShowSpeed anime marks Owens’ first announced project since leaving One Piece.
What This Means for IShowSpeed
The anime series is a shift for IShowSpeed as a creator. His content has been primarily live and unscripted. A scripted animated show built around a version of himself is a different format entirely.
He is represented by CAA. Matt Owens is repped by CAA, Circle Management + Production, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole. Big Shot is preparing to take the full package to potential buyers shortly, according to Variety’s report on the project.
IShowSpeed’s global reach has grown steadily over the past two years. In January 2025, he received a symbolic Ambassador of Peru award in front of 20,000 fans during his South American tour. His fanbase spans multiple continents, which makes the international appeal of an anime format a logical fit for this kind of project. You can follow more of his recent activity and major moments in the IShowSpeed news coverage on TalkEsport.
FAQ
What is IShowSpeed’s anime about? Plot details have not been revealed. The show will feature an animated character based on IShowSpeed. It is in development at Big Shot Pictures and is described as one of his first narrative-driven projects.
Who is writing IShowSpeed’s anime? Matt Owens is the writer. He previously served as co-showrunner and executive producer on Netflix’s live-action One Piece for its first two seasons.
Who is producing IShowSpeed’s anime? Brian Robbins and Matt Owens are producing through Big Shot Pictures. Filmmaker Harmony Korine is also attached as a producer.
Is IShowSpeed’s anime confirmed for release? Not yet. Big Shot Pictures is preparing to take the project to buyers. No release date, platform, or episode count has been announced.
How many subscribers does IShowSpeed have? As of this report, IShowSpeed has over 52 million subscribers on YouTube.
