'We feel the need for speed!'

Video courtesy of James Filbird

Shenzhen welcomed a special guest — global YouTube sensation Darren Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, or simply Speed, on April 5. The American Gen Z internet influencer, dressed in traditional hanfu, seemed like a messenger traversing through time when arriving in Shenzhen, a young city brimming with a sense of technology and the future.

At the Shenzhen Talent Park, James Filbird, a Shenzhen global communication ambassador and the actor who portrayed General Douglas MacArthur in the movie “The Battle at Lake Changjin,” embraced Speed with great enthusiasm. Filbird, originally from Los Angeles in the United States, has lived in Shenzhen for nearly 20 years and couldn’t wait to introduce the city he deeply loves.

Speed meets ‘City of Speed’

At the livestream, Filbird showed Speed a number of striking photos. “You can see how Shenzhen has grown, you wouldn’t even recognize it,” Filbird said emotionally while displaying photos of Shenzhen’s past and present. “Old Shenzhen 19 years ago, now you know it’s amazing, this city. So we welcome you here.”

Filbird then smiled and said to Speed, “And if we can make a quick video, you know what Tom Cruise did on ‘Top Gun,’ ‘I feel the need for speed.’ We can do a video real quick.” This instantly ignited Speed’s enthusiasm.

Standing side by side, they shouted to their global fans, “We’re in Shenzhen, we feel in need for speed!” This classic line not only cleverly echoed Speed’s online name “IShowSpeed” but also accurately conveyed the urban characteristics of Shenzhen, the “City of Speed.”

A screenshot from James Filbird's vedio shows Filbird and Speed shouting,“We’re in Shenzhen, we feel in need for speed!” during a livestream. From WeChat account "麦克阿瑟MA"

Showcasing Shenzhen to the world

Chinese netizens are no strangers to Filbird. The American actor who portrayed MacArthur in “The Battle at Lake Changjin” rose to fame in 2021.

Over the years, Filbird has been living in Shenzhen and joined Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) in 2024 with the username “麦克阿瑟MacArthur,” currently boasting over 3.04 million fans. He not only imitates MacArthur's classic image but also humorously comments on various social events in his videos, becoming a popular online commentator.

James Filbird has become a popular online commentator, known not only for his portrayal of MacArthur’s iconic image but also for his humorous takes on a wide range of social issues. Photos courtesy of James Filbird

Filbird first came to China in 2002, thus forming a deep bond with this land. In 2006, he made a pivotal decision to settle in Shenzhen. “Having lived in Shenzhen for 19 years, I have witnessed its rapid development since the reform and opening up. It has been changing with each passing day in every aspect,” Filbird said.

In fact, Filbird also holds another important identity — Shenzhen global communication ambassador, and has been dedicated to showcasing the city’s unique charm and unlimited potential to the world.

When asked what motivated him to promote Shenzhen to Speed, Filbird said, “Speed is one of the most successful, fastest-growing, and beloved influencers worldwide. You know, Shenzhen is speed, and speed is Shenzhen. That’s why I recommended Shenzhen to Speed. I believe this livestream can make more people around the world know about Shenzhen, because Speed and Shenzhen, it’s just perfect.”

He believes that as a millennial, Speed’s fan base is also very young and energetic, highly aligned with Shenzhen’s urban image. Both represent youth, vitality, and infinite possibilities.

A file photo of James Filbird. 

When introducing Shenzhen to Speed, Filbird said he wanted to highlight the city’s inclusivity and speed the most. “I showed him the changes in Shenzhen over the past 20 years, but my feelings are even stronger. Whether it’s the city, technology, or lifestyle, Shenzhen’s development speed is astonishing. You see, I’m already 66 years old, yet I’m still treated with kindness here. Everyone is very friendly, and I’ve met batches of young people. I love this city.”

Filbird noted that Speed’s visit, livestreamed to a global audience, allowed the world to see Shenzhen’s technological progress — from robots and new energy vehicles to drone delivery and air taxis. These once-distant technological dreams have become tangible realities in Shenzhen.

“Through these fields, people around the world can see that Shenzhen is a future-oriented city with huge potential. I believe this livestream will attract talent from various fields to come to Shenzhen and contribute to its development. The ‘Shenzhen Speed’ will only get faster and never stop,” Filbird said.