The catastrophic 2018 Camp Fire holds the grim title of being the most destructive wildfire in the history of California, claiming the lives of 85 individuals, engulfing over 150,000 acres of land, and incurring damages exceeding $16 billion. In her compelling book, Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire, author Lizzie Johnson delves deep into the heart-wrenching events surrounding this disaster. Now, acclaimed director Paul Greengrass is set to adapt this poignant narrative into a motion picture titled The Lost Bus. The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on September 19 and will become available for global audiences on Apple TV+ starting October 3. A full-length trailer for The Lost Bus has recently been released and can be viewed in the embed above.
Written by Greengrass in collaboration with Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby, The Lost Bus presents a gripping narrative that captures the harrowing experience of one of America’s deadliest wildfires. The story centers around a school bus driver and a committed teacher striving to protect 22 children from an advancing and terrifying inferno. The cast features Matthew McConaughey, known for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, portraying the bus driver alongside America Ferrera from Barbie, who plays the dedicated teacher. Additional cast members include Yul Vazquez from Severance, Danny McCarthy of Prison Break, Spencer Watson from Mr. Student Body President, and Ashlie Atkinson from The Gilded Age.
Produced by Jason Blum for Blumhouse Productions alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, who played a pivotal role in bringing this adaptation to fruition through Comet Pictures, as well as Brad Ingelsby and Gregory Goodman, The Lost Bus benefits from Greengrass’s expertise in portraying historical events. He is renowned for his previous works, including the impactful 9/11 drama United 93 and 22 July, which examined the tragic 2011 mass shooting in Norway that resulted in the loss of 77 lives. The events of the 2018 Camp Fire have inspired numerous projects, including several books and documentaries. In discussing his film, Greengrass expressed, “The Lost Bus is the story of quiet heroism — of people coming together in the face of the unthinkable. I’m honored to have been entrusted with this story.”
What are your thoughts on the trailer for The Lost Bus? Are you planning to catch this intense film in theaters this September, or will you wait for its debut on Apple TV+ in October? We invite you to share your opinions by leaving a comment below.
