Zag, the studio renowned for its animated series “Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir,” has announced a collaboration with former Formula 1 driver Carmen Jorda to create an animated feature film titled “Car Men.” This project aims to celebrate women in motorsports, presenting a narrative filled with empowerment and high-octane action.
The film, which is currently in development, will explore the challenges Jorda faced in her racing career, following her journey through a demanding motorsport landscape. Jeremy Zag, co-creator and producer of the “Miraculous” franchise, is leading the development of this new venture. The scope of “Car Men” extends beyond the film itself, intending to establish a broader franchise that includes scripted content, live experiences, and consumer products aimed at engaging Generation Z audiences.
High-Profile Team for an Inspiring Story
Zag has assembled a talented team to bring this story to life. Michael Gracey, known for directing “The Greatest Showman,” and Tyler Thompson from Cross Creek Pictures, who produced acclaimed films like “Black Swan” and “American Made,” are on board. Additionally, Andrea Puig, a former executive at HBO Max and Netflix, will serve as executive producer.
The film’s synopsis reveals that it will follow Jorda as she navigates the pressures and heartaches of racing. The narrative emphasizes personal growth, stating, “Carmen must push beyond her limits to reclaim her dream and discover who she truly is.”
“Creating heroes who inspire kids to believe in themselves has always been our mission at Zag,” said Jeremy Zag. He added that Jorda’s remarkable journey and resilience resonated deeply with him, inspiring the creation of a new hero for a new generation.
Jorda expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “Racing has shaped my life. Partnering with Zag means turning my passion into a story that can inspire millions of young girls around the world.” She aims to encourage young women to pursue their dreams in motorsports, emphasizing the importance of determination and ambition.
A Growing Representation in Motorsports
The trend of highlighting women in motorsports has gained momentum recently. For example, Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine, produced a docuseries focused on female drivers in Formula 1’s F1 Academy, which is available on Netflix. This growing representation reflects a significant cultural shift, paving the way for more stories centered around female athletes.
Gracey noted that Jorda’s journey exemplifies resilience and self-belief, qualities that define true heroes. He expressed his privilege in using her story to inspire a younger generation. Thompson added, “What she’s done in her sport is truly remarkable,” indicating the widespread admiration for Jorda’s achievements.
Puig praised Jeremy Zag for his artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of Jorda’s spirit in motorsport through compelling characters. She highlighted the importance of sharing a female-driven narrative that embodies grit and ambition.
The collaboration on “Car Men” is part of Zag’s broader strategy to expand its offerings. The studio is also working on a second film in the “Miraculous” series, as well as the musical animated feature “Melody,” featuring Katy Perry as the lead character.
The first installment of the “Miraculous” movie, released in 2023, achieved significant success, grossing over $40 million at the box office in Europe and gaining popularity on streaming platforms such as Netflix across various territories, including the United States and Canada.
As the world of women in motorsports continues to gain visibility, “Car Men” promises to be an inspiring addition, potentially influencing a new generation of female racers and empowering them to follow their dreams.
