Zag, the studio behind the hit series Miraculous: The Ladybug and Chat Noir, teams up with former F1 driver Carmen Jorda to inspire girl power with Carmen, the first full-length animated film set in the world of women’s motorsport.
“Miraculous” co-creator and producer Jeremy Zag is developing the Jorda-inspired feature and franchise, which spans scripts, live experiences and consumer products. The project aims to appeal to a Gen Z audience with themes of empowerment, cinematic storytelling, and authentic action.
Zag is also enlisting prominent producing partners on “Carmen,” including “The Greatest Showman” and “Better Man” filmmaker Michael Gracey. and Tyler Thompson of Cross Creek Pictures, who produced “Black Swan” and “American Made.” Former HBO Max and Netflix executive Andrea Puig will serve as executive producer.
The film follows Carmen as she navigates the cruel world of racing and is forced to overcome doubt, pressure, and heartbreak. “Carmen must push beyond her limits to reclaim her dreams and discover her true self,” the synopsis reads.
“At Zag, we have always believed in creating heroes who inspire kids to believe in themselves,” said Zag, whose “Miraculous” series is about the first female-powered superhero set in Paris. “When I met Carmen, her journey and perseverance impressed and inspired me, and I’m thrilled to be able to guide her personal story as we imagine the new heroes of tomorrow,” continued Zag, who just celebrated the 10th anniversary of “Miraculous” with Pierre-Antoine Capton, chairman and co-founder of Media One.
Meanwhile, Jorda said, “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. Like me, I want them to know that they can dream big, fight hard and make their mark on the track.”
Giorda, a former F1 Lotus and Renault development driver, becomes the 11th woman in history to join the prestigious F1 team’s driver line-up. She’s also an advocate for women’s race cars
Drivers and inclusion across motorsport.
“Carmen’s journey is a story of resilience and unwavering confidence in the face of tempting limitations,” Gracie said.
The filmmaker praised Giorda’s “fearlessness and ambition”, calling them “the hallmarks of a true hero”. “We are honored to have them guide us through our story and hopefully inspire the generations that knew her.”
Thompson said, “I’m excited to join the amazing team that will bring Carmen’s story to life.”
Many audiences around the world. What she has accomplished in her sport is truly amazing. ”
Puig said, “Jeremy’s artistic sensibility and instinct for talent make him a true pioneer in storytelling and musical creation, building worlds with lasting emotional impact.”
The executive said Zag expressed “the fight and spirit of Carmen in motorsport through a character that only he could bring to life.” “It’s a dream come true to share with the world the story of a woman driven by grit, speed and ambition,” Puig added.
In recent years, the success of women in motorsports has been attracting attention. Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine production company, for example, created a documentary series about female drivers from F1’s F1 Academy that landed on Netflix.
Zag is also currently developing a second Miraculous movie with producer John Cohen (Despicable Me, Angry Birds) and screenwriter Matt Lawler (Rick and Morty, Community). The first work, Miraculous Ladybug & Cat Noir, became a worldwide hit in 2023. The film was streamed on Netflix in many territories, including the United States, Canada, and Latin America, while it did well at the box office in most of Europe, where it was released theatrically, grossing over $40 million.
Another big project in the pipeline for Zag is Melody, a musical animated feature film starring Katy Perry as the title character.
