Sony is fully committed to bringing its beloved PlayStation games to life on the big and small screens. Over the past two years, the company has gone all out to adapt its iconic intellectual properties, including the recent release of “Uncharted” starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, the upcoming “Twisted Metal” series on Peacock, and the highly anticipated live-action adaptations of “God of War” and “Horizon Zero Dawn.” Now, Sony’s next project is “Gran Turismo,” and FilmSweep is thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures to provide an exclusive sneak peek at the film ahead of its theatrical release next month.
While the idea of a film adaptation for the “Gran Turismo” series may not immediately come to mind, given that the game is a realistic racing simulator known for its breathtaking graphics and extensive collection of vehicles and real-world locations, it’s worth noting that the series is Sony’s best-selling franchise, with over 90 million units sold worldwide. This makes it an ideal candidate for bringing the experience to a wider audience. Sony Pictures has decided to merge the world of online racing with the inspiring true story of Jann Mardenborough, a teenage Gran Turismo player.
Mardenborough’s extraordinary journey began when he seized a life-changing opportunity through a competition called the GT Academy. By outperforming his fellow racers, he earned the chance to showcase his gaming skills on real racetracks as a driver for Team Nissan. This opened doors for him to compete in various events across the globe and transform his passion into a professional career. In the film, Archie Madekwe portrays Mardenborough, chronicling his experience at the Academy, his pursuit of his dreams, and the personal and romantic challenges he faces outside the world of racing. Additionally, he must navigate the high stakes of each race, where even the smallest mistake can have fatal consequences.
Image via Sony
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Joining Madekwe in the cast are several notable actors who play pivotal roles in his journey. David Harbour portrays his dedicated trainer, while Orlando Bloom takes on the character of the Nissan marketing executive responsible for Mardenborough’s transition from the GT Academy to the race track. Djimon Hounsou, Daniel Puig, and the renowned Geri Halliwell, also known as Ginger Spice, portray his anxious family awaiting his success back home.
Initial reactions to the film have been positive, and if you’re eager to see it, “Gran Turismo” hits theaters on August 11. Be sure to watch the exclusive featurette below for a behind-the-scenes look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about racing film
When does the “Gran Turismo” film release in theaters?
The “Gran Turismo” film is set to release in theaters on August 11.
What is the premise of the “Gran Turismo” film?
The “Gran Turismo” film blends the world of online racing with the true story of a teenage Gran Turismo player named Jann Mardenborough. It follows his journey from competing in the GT Academy to becoming a professional racing driver, while also navigating personal and romantic challenges outside of racing.
Who are the main actors in the “Gran Turismo” film?
Archie Madekwe portrays the protagonist Jann Mardenborough, while David Harbour plays his trainer. Orlando Bloom takes on the role of the Nissan marketing executive responsible for Mardenborough’s transition. Djimon Hounsou, Daniel Puig, and Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) portray Mardenborough’s family members.
Why was the “Gran Turismo” game chosen for a film adaptation?
Despite being a racing simulator, the “Gran Turismo” series is Sony’s highest-selling franchise with over 90 million units sold worldwide. Its popularity and immersive experience make it an ideal choice for bringing the game’s world of online racing to a wider audience through a film adaptation.
Is there a behind-the-scenes featurette available for the “Gran Turismo” film?
Yes, an exclusive featurette is available, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the “Gran Turismo” film. It provides additional insights into the production and showcases the involvement of David Harbour and the rest of the cast.
More about racing film
- Gran Turismo – Official website for the Gran Turismo video game series.
- GT Academy – Learn more about the GT Academy competition mentioned in the film.
- Sony Pictures – Official website for Sony Pictures Entertainment.
- Archie Madekwe – IMDb page for actor Archie Madekwe.
- David Harbour – IMDb page for actor David Harbour.
- Orlando Bloom – IMDb page for actor Orlando Bloom.
- Djimon Hounsou – IMDb page for actor Djimon Hounsou.
- Daniel Puig – IMDb page for actor Daniel Puig.
- Geri Halliwell – IMDb page for actor Geri Halliwell.
