J.J. Abrams brings live-action Speed Racer series to Apple TV+

By

J.J. Abrams bringing live-action Speed Racer series to Apple TV+
This is not the Apple Car we've been expecting.
Photo: Tatsunoko Productions

“Here he comes. Here comes Speed Racer.” The theme song to the classic cartoon could be referring to a live-action Speed Racer series reportedly headed for Apple TV+.

It’ll supposedly have J.J. Abrams as executive producer.

Rev up the powerful Mach 5 for Speed Racer on Apple TV+

The show that would become Speed Racer started in Japan as Mach GoGoGo. It made the jump from manga to an animated TV series that was soon redubbed and renamed to premiere in the United States in 1967. It went on to help popularize Japanese-made animation around the world.

And now Variety reports a live-action version is racing toward Apple TV+. The streaming service has reportedly made a series order, which means the show is going into production.

Ron Fitzgerald and Hiram Martinez will both write and serve as showrunners. Fitzgerald created and wrote for the recent remake of Perry Mason. He also wrote for Westworld and Weeds. Hiram Martinez wrote for the Get Shorty series as well as The Last Ship.

J.J. Abrams created and wrote for the TV show Lost without ever finding a good ending. He also helped mess up two of latest Star Wars movies.

It’s is not known when Speed Racer will premiere on Apple TV+.

Return of a 1960s icon

For those unfortunate enough to be unfamiliar with the original animated series, it centers on a professional race car driver called Speed Racer. He travels the world participating in wildly dangerous races with the help of father, Pops Racer, and Sparky, his mechanic. He drives the Mach 5, a super car filled with high-tech gadgets.

His girlfriend Trixie is along for the ride, as is Race’s kid brother Spritle who has a pet chimpanzee named Chim-Chim because TV.

There’s also the mysterious Racer X, who [spoilers for a 55-year-old show] is secretly Speed’s brother Rex. He never identifies himself to his family because of reasons.

Presumably, all of these characters will appear in the Apple TV+ series.

Phil Schiller, Apple’s former VP is worldwide marketing and a big Speed Racer fan, has to be very excited.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.