Neil Blomkamp helms the high-octane film that pays homage to the best-selling PlayStation racing game, based on the true story of a teenage gamer whose skills ultimately translated into his becoming a professional racecar driver; film debuts in theaters on August 11, 2023.
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! According to The Hollywood Reporter, David Harbour (Stranger Things, Black Widow) and Orlando Bloom (Carnival Row) are set to star in the upcoming feature film adaptation of Gran Turismo, from Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions. Shooting is scheduled to begin next week.
The film pays homage to the best-selling racing game and is based on the true story of a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills translated directly into real life, winning him a series of Nissan competitions before ultimately becoming a professional racecar driver. Harbor will play the retired racer who teaches the talented teen to drive in real life. Bloom will play a hungry marketing exec selling the sport of racing.
Neill Blomkamp (Elysium, District 9) will direct the ultimate wish-fulfilling romp, from a script penned by Jason Hall (American Sniper) and Zach Baylin (King Richard).
“As one of PlayStation’s longest standing and most beloved franchises, it’s great to be partnering with Columbia Pictures again to bring Gran Turismo to life in an exciting way,” said PlayStation Productions’ Asad Qizilbash in a statement. “We can’t wait for audiences to see Neill’s vision of this inspiring true story of gamer turned professional race car driver.”
Turismo first hit PlayStation in 1997, emulating the authentic feel of being behind the wheel for the first time in a video game. The franchise has continued to release successful sequels ever since, to the glee of true racing enthusiasts, and is reportedly one of the best-selling Sony franchises of all time. Sony and PlayStation Productions are a proven successful adaptation pair, experiencing great success with Uncharted and The Last of Us series set to release on HBO, as well as the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima film, and Twisted Metal series.
Qizilbash and Carter Swan will produce under the PlayStation Productions banner alongside Doug Belgrad and Dana Brunetti. Game creator Kazunori Yamauchi and Hall will executive produce.
Gran Turismo is set to release in theaters on August 11, 2023.
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
