ZAG has announced the launch of a bold new family entertainment franchise, Carmen, inspired by former Formula 1 driver Carmen Jorda and her fight to break barriers in motorsport. A theatrical animated feature, animated series, and licensing and consumer products program is in development, marking the studio’s first step into the motorsport universe.
Carmen Jorda, former development driver for Lotus and Renault in Formula 1, became only the 11th woman in history to be included in a driver line-up for a prestigious F1 team. Her career includes competition in GP3, Indy Lights, and the Le Mans Series. The daughter of former racing driver José Miguel Jorda, she was introduced to motorsport at a young age and has since become a leading advocate for female drivers and broader inclusion across the racing world. It was recently announced that Jorda will return to the Enstone team as Alpine’s head of F1 Academy to lead female driver mentorship initiatives including supporting Alpine’s F1 Academy entry in 2026.
At the heart of the story in the new animated feature is Carmen, thrust into a ruthless racing world where fear moves faster than any car on the track. To survive, she must confront doubt, pressure, and heartbreak—and learn to outrun them. In a universe where circuits defy gravity and emotions can make or break a driver; Carmen is forced to push past her limits to reclaim her dream and discover who she truly is. Blending cinematic storytelling, empowerment, and high-speed emotional stakes, the franchise will be driven by her determination and resilience to inspire a new generation.
A world-class team of industry leaders is joining forces on the project. Serving as Producers are Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO of ZAG; award-winning filmmaker Michael Gracey, director of The Greatest Showman and Better Man, who brings his signature visual and emotional storytelling to the project; and award-winning producer Tyler Thompson, co‑founder of Cross Creek Pictures whose films (Black Swan, Everest, Rush) have earned critical acclaim. Rounding out the production team is former HBO Max and Netflix executive Andrea Puig, whose serves as Executive Producer, contributing her global expertise in premium storytelling. Together, this powerhouse team unites to bring Carmen Jorda’s story to the screen with scale, heart, and cinematic excellence.
Jeremy Zag, said:
“At ZAG, we’ve always believed in creating heroes who inspire kids to believe in themselves. When I met Carmen, her journey and perseverance impressed and inspired me. I’m excited to let her personal story guide us as we imagine a new hero for tomorrow.
“Racing has shaped my life, and partnering with ZAG means turning my passion into a story that can inspire millions of young girls around the world,” added Carmen Jorda. “I want them to know they can dream big, fight hard, and take their place on the track — just like I did.”
“Carmen’s journey is one of resilience and unwavering self-belief, even in the face of daunting limitations,” said Michael Gracey. “Her fearlessness and ambition are the qualities of true heroes, and it’s a privilege to let her guide our narrative — and hopefully inspire a new generation.”“I’m excited to join this incredible team to bring Carmen’s story to life for audiences around the world,” said Tyler Thompson. “What she has achieved in her sport is truly remarkable.
“Jérémy’s artistic sensitivity and instinct for talent make him a true pioneer in storytelling and musical creation, building worlds with lasting emotional impact, said Andrea Puig. “He captures Carmen’s fight and spirit in motorsport through characters only he can bring to life. Sharing a female-driven story powered by grit, speed, and ambition with the world is a dream come true.”
