Red Bull Motorsports and TOBOGGAN Unleash AI-Driven “Initial D” Experience, Opening a New Era of Live-Action Animation

Red Bull Motorsports, in collaboration with production studio TOBOGGAN, is proud to unveil a groundbreaking fusion of artificial intelligence and live-action film—bringing the adrenaline-fueled world of the much loved ‘Initial D’ to life like never before.

Using a specially trained Flux LoRA model (with permission from the original author), we transformed Takumi Fujiwara—the legendary drifter—into a dynamic AI-generated character, seamlessly integrated atop real-world footage. We then harnessed cutting-edge generative motion models to choreograph his every move within each shot, creating a visually electrifying blend of manga-style animation and live action.

This pioneering project  opens the door for potentially countless iconic characters—from any IP—to step into live footage and tell entirely new stories. We’re showcasing how AI can revolutionise storytelling and entertainment, giving creators a boundless canvas to bring beloved or brand-new characters to life.

This is just the beginning. By merging the power of AI with on-screen storytelling, Red Bull Motorsports and TOBOGGAN aim to inspire rights holders, filmmakers, and creators worldwide to imagine the endless possibilities of this next-generation technology. With each new project, we move closer to a future where the line between fiction and reality blurs, and every fan’s dream of seeing their favourite characters in the real world becomes a thrilling reality.