Live-Action 'Speed Racer' Series Coming to Apple TV+

Apple has picked up a live-action "Speed Racer" series for Apple TV+, reports Variety. The series has reportedly been in the works for years now, and will be executive produced by J.J. Abrams.

speed racer
"Speed Racer" is a Japanese automobile racing media franchise that originated in 1966 as a manga, and it was then adapted into an anime in 1967. It follows the adventures of titular character Speed Racer and his Mach 5 car. He has a team featuring his father, Pops Racer, his little brother Spritle, his pet chimpanzee Chim-Chim, and his girlfriend, Trixie.

The cartoon was previously made into a live action film in 2008, with the movie starring Emile Hirsch, but this would be the first time that it has been adapted into a live action television show.

The series will be written by Ron Fitzgerald and Hiram Martinez. Fitzgerald is known for his work on shows that include "Perry Mason," "Westworld," "Weeds," and "Friday Night Lights," while Martinez has worked on "The Last Ship," "Snowpiercer," and "Get Shorty."

J.J. Abrams previously executive produced ‌Apple TV‌+ series "Little Voice," which was discontinued after one season, as well as "Lisey's Story." He will also serve as executive producer on upcoming ‌Apple TV‌+ show "My Glory Was I Had Such Friends."

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Top Rated Comments

TechRunner Avatar
49 months ago
This will definitely show my age, but I loved Speed Racer as a kid. I probably won’t spoil those good memories by watching any sort of reboot. And I’m a big J.J. Abrams fan.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BugeyeSTI Avatar
49 months ago
I wouldn't mind if they just brought back the original anime series...
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JM Avatar
49 months ago
If it’s not a blood-soaked gory mess during races, I ain’t watching. Let’s just see how “realistic” the race-murders will be with cars careening off the road in explosions.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Moonlight Avatar
49 months ago
Oh great, another JJ disaster



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Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
49 months ago

They really don't need to turn every franchise into a TV series.

A 2 hour movie is perfectly fine to tell a story. You don't need to spread that story over 9 hours.
Do you know that it was originally an anime series, that had over 50 episodes? The 2 hour movie is an adaptation loosely based on those characters.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
49 months ago
They really don't need to turn every franchise into a TV series.

A 2 hour movie is perfectly fine to tell a story. You don't need to spread that story over 9 hours.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)