Apple TV+ is set to release a documentary series on August 25 that delves into the dramatic 2019 escape of former Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance chief, Carlos Ghosn, from Japan. The series, titled “Wanted: The Escape Of Carlos Ghosn,” spans four parts and covers Ghosn’s rise in the automotive world, his arrest in 2018, and his audacious getaway the following year, highlighting the Japanese authorities’ evident shortcomings.
The documentary offers viewers a glimpse into Ghosn’s background and his ascent to the top of the automotive industry. Heralded as the savior of both Renault and Nissan, Ghosn played a critical role in the formation of the Renault Nissan Alliance, which eventually expanded to include Mitsubishi. His leadership and strategic vision were instrumental in turning around the fortunes of these automakers.
However, Ghosn’s success story took a dramatic turn in 2018 when he faced numerous charges from Japanese authorities. Accusations ranged from misreporting income to financial regulators and transferring personal losses onto Nissan’s corporate books, to allegedly misusing corporate funds for personal gain. Ghosn vehemently denies all of the charges laid against him and insists that his escape was orchestrated solely because he believed he wouldn’t receive a fair trial in Japan.
Despite being heavily monitored and prohibited from leaving Japan as part of his bail conditions, Ghosn managed to slip away with the assistance of former Green Beret, Mike Taylor. In a daring and cunning plan, Ghosn concealed himself in a music instrument case borrowed from a band hired to perform at a Christmas party. He was then transported, still hidden within the case, onto a private plane and flown to Lebanon via Turkey. Lebanon’s lack of an extradition treaty with Japan offered Ghosn a safe haven from where he has since conducted a series of interviews, including for this very Apple TV+ documentary.
The documentary not only focuses on Ghosn’s side of the story but also features interviews with key individuals involved in the escape. Mike Taylor, who aided Ghosn in his getaway, speaks about his role and the subsequent legal consequences he faced. Taylor was sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement but was released earlier this year. His son, Peter, who also played a part in the scheme, received a sentence of one year and eight months.
With extensive access to Ghosn and his associates, including Taylor, the series paints a gripping narrative of high-stakes intrigue and international legal battles. It explores the motivations behind Ghosn’s actions and examines the flaws in the Japanese judicial system that allegedly prompted him to resort to such extreme measures.
Moreover, beyond recounting the past, this documentary also looks to the future. It delves into the potential twists that Ghosn’s ongoing legal saga may take and speculates on the next chapters in his astonishing narrative. As the world continues to follow the developments surrounding Ghosn’s case, this documentary provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and implications of his escape.
In addition to the forthcoming documentary series, discussions are underway for a television drama based on Ghosn’s ordeal. Reports suggest that Tony Shalhoub, best known for his role in the popular TV series “Monk,” is being considered to portray the enigmatic figure of Carlos Ghosn. This potential dramatization would bring the gripping story to an even wider audience, amplifying the intrigue and raising questions about justice, power, and the lengths one might go to seek their version of it.
As the release date of “Wanted: The Escape Of Carlos Ghosn” approaches, anticipation grows for the unveiling of this captivating tale. The world eagerly awaits the opportunity to gain intimate insights into the circumstances surrounding Ghosn’s escape and the subsequent fallout. From his rise as an automotive industry legend to his spectacular escape from legal entanglement, Carlos Ghosn’s story promises to captivate audiences worldwide through the lens of Apple TV+.