Neil Blomkamp first made his big splash in Hollywood with 2009’s “District 9.” But his other sci-fi follows-ups, 2013’s “Elysium” and 2015’s “Chappie,” didn’t fare as well with either critics or audiences. Now, after a brief (and underwhelming) pitstop into horror with 2021’s “Demonic,” Blomkamp tries another genre on for size with the summer blockbuster in the coming-of-age racing movie “Gran Turismo.”
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Based on the hit PlayStation videogame series, “Gran Turismo” takes on the story of Jann Mardenborough, a player so good at the racing simulation game he ended behind the wheel of a real race car — and did well there, too.
Here’s an official synopsis for “Gran Turismo,” courtesy of Sony Pictures:
Gran Turismo is based on the unbelievable true story of a team of unlikely underdogs – a struggling working-class gamer, a failed former racecar driver, and an idealistic motorsport executive. Together, they risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world. Gran Turismo is an inspiring, thrilling, and action-packed story that proves that nothing is impossible when you’re fueled from within.
“Gran Turismo” stars Archie Madekwe as Mardenborough, with David Harbour and Orlando Bloom also starring. The film also stars Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner, and Djimon Hounsou.
Blomkamp directs a script from Jason Hall and Zach Baylin, based on a story by Hall and Alex Tse. Producers on the film include Doug Belgrad, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Dana Brunetti. Matthe Hirsch, Hall, Kazunori Yamauchi, and Hermen Hulst serve as executive producers.
“Gran Turismo” revs into theaters on August 11, 2023. Check out a new trailer for the film below.
