In the age of Netflix’s strong focus on bringing iconic anime and manga franchises to live-action, it seems that Apple is the next to throw its hat into the ring. It looks like Apple is working on a live-action adaptation of Speed Racer with J.J. Abrams set as its executive producer. It already got a series order with Ron Fitzgerald and Hiram Martinez writing, as well as executive producing the series. They will also act as showrunners.
It’ll be part of Bad Robot’s deal with Warner Bros. Television. It’s the second live-action adaptation of the franchise with The Wachowskis still being a cult favorite from back in 2008. While not a financial success, the film found a new life online with its unique visuals. It’s unclear if that’ll be a more grounded take on the franchise, or if it’ll keep its more out-there concepts.
It’ll be interesting to see how they embrace the anime’s roots as we meet a man whose actual name is Speed Racer, who takes on anime’s original Wacky Races with a Mach 5. He works with his girlfriend Trixie, his father, little brother, and their pet chimpanzee, Chim-Chim, to take on the world. It would be great to see if they pay tribute to some of the cast from the original film, who might be open to returning.
Source: Variety
