The thrilling story of how one race car gamer turned his driving skills on a TV screen to a practical career are on full display in the action film Gran Turismo. Directed by Neill Blomkamp with the screenplay by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin and story by Hall and Alex Tse, Archie Madekwe stars in Gran Turismo portraying real-life British professional racing driver Jann Mardenborough.
The official synopsis for the film reads, “based on the unbelievable, inspiring true story of a team of underdogs – a struggling, working-class gamer, a failed former race car driver, and an idealistic motorsport exec – who risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world.”
Mardenborough served as a co-producer, stunt driver and consultant on the film with David Harbour playing Jack Salter, a fictional former racer and mentor to Mardenborough, and Orlando Bloom playing Danny Moore, a Nissan marketing executive based on real-life former Nissan Europe executive Darren Cox. Takehiro Hira, Djimon Hounsou, Darren Barnet, Geri Horner, Josha Stradowski, Daniel Puig, Maeve Courtier-Lilley, Pepe Barroso, Niall McShea, Sang Heon Lee, and Emelia Hartford make up the ensemble cast.
Early previews for Gran Turismo begin Friday, August 11 with the official release pushed to Friday, August 25 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. After you watch Gran Turismo in theaters, here are 9 movies to watch that center on race car themes.
The Art of Racing in The Rain (2019)
Cast: Kevin Costner, Milo Ventimiglia, Jackie Minns, Marcus Hondro, Ian Lake, Andres Joseph, Gary Cole, Donald Heng, Amanda Seyfried, Kathy Baker
Synopsis: “Through his bond with his owner, aspiring Formula One race car driver Denny, golden retriever Enzo learns that the techniques needed on the racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate the journey of life.”
Where to watch: Disney+, FXNOW
The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Rick Yune, Chad Lindberg, Johnny Strong, Matt Schulze, Ted Levine, Ja Rule, Vyto Ruginis, Thom Barry
Synopsis: “Los Angeles police officer Brian O’Conner must decide where his loyalty really lies when he becomes enamored with the street racing world he has been sent undercover to destroy.”
Where to watch: Netflix
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Cast: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitríona Balfe, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Tracy Letts, Remo Girone, Ray McKinnon, JJ Feild
Synopsis: “American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car for Ford in order to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.”
Where to watch: FXNOW, Hulu
Logan Lucky (2017)
Cast: Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Daniel Craig, Farrah Mackenzie, Jim O’Heir, Riley Keough, Katie Holmes, Rebecca Koon, Seth MacFarlane
Synopsis: “Two brothers attempt to pull off a heist during a NASCAR race in North Carolina.”
Where to watch: Hulu, Showtime Anytime
Need For Speed (2014)
Cast: Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots, Kid Cudi, Rami Malek, Ramón Rodríguez, Harrison Gilbertson, Dakota Johnson, Stevie Ray Dallimore, Michael Keaton
Synopsis: “Fresh from prison, a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate joins a cross-country race with revenge in mind. His ex-partner, learning of the plan, places a massive bounty on his head as the race begins.
Where to watch: Showtime Anytime
Rush (2013)
Cast: Daniel Brühl, Chris Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara, Pierfrancesco Favino, David Calder, Natalie Dormer, Stephen Mangan, Christian McKay, Alistair Petrie, Julian Rhind-Tutt
Synopsis: “The merciless 1970s rivalry between Formula One rivals James Hunt and Niki Lauda.”
Where to watch: Netflix
Speed Racer (2008)
Cast: Emile Hirsch, Matthew Fox, Christina Ricci, Nicholas Elia, Susan Sarandon, Melissa Holroyd, Ariel Winter, Scott Porter, John Goodman
Synopsis: “Young driver, Speed Racer, aspires to be champion of the racing world with the help of his family and his high-tech Mach 5 automobile.”
Where to watch: Max
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Cast: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Gary Cole, Michael Clarke Duncan, Leslie Bibb, Jane Lynch, Amy Adams, Andy Richter, Molly Shannon, Greg Germann, David Koechner, Jack McBrayer, Ian Roberts
Synopsis: “Number one NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby stays atop the heap thanks to a pact with his best friend and teammate, Cal Naughton, Jr. But when a French Formula One driver, makes his way up the ladder, Ricky Bobby’s talent and devotion are put to the test.”
Where to watch: Prime Video
Turbo (2013)
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Maya Rudolph, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Peña, Luis Guzmán, Bill Hader, Snoop Dogg, Ben Schwartz, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong, Michelle Rodriguez
Synopsis: “A freak accident might just help an everyday garden snail achieve his biggest dream: winning the Indy 500.”
Where to watch: Freevee, Peacock
_