Matthew McConaughey looks to be eyeing a role in "The Lost Bus" with Paul Greengrass at the Helm
Hold onto your hats, thriller fans! Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey may be nearing his next big-screen adventure, and it looks like a heart-pounding ride is in store. Deadline reports that McConaughey is in talks to star in "The Lost Bus," a film based on the harrowing 2018 Camp Fire, California's deadliest wildfire.
Paul Greengrass, known for his pulse-racing direction of "Captain Phillips" and "Green Zone," is reportedly in negotiations to take the helm, while Apple Original Films is eyeing distribution. Brad Ingelsby, renowned for his work on "Mare of Easttown," adapted the script from Lizzie Johnson's book "Paradise: One Town's Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire."
"The Lost Bus" tells the true story of heroic bus driver Kevin McKay and school teacher Mary Ludwig, who bravely navigated a school bus full of children through the blazing inferno as Paradise succumbed to the fire's wrath. This project brings both a human touch and a chilling sense of urgency to the tragedy, showcasing the courage and resilience of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances.
While deals are still being finalized and a greenlight awaits, sources buzz with excitement for the film's potential. Jamie Lee Curtis' Comet Pictures and Jason Blum's Blumhouse join forces with Ingelsby and Greg Goodman as producers, while Curtis and Amy Lord serve as executive producers.
Curtis championed the project after hearing Johnson on NPR, leading her to read the book and bring it to Blumhouse. Momentum truly picked up when Ingelsby's script landed in Greengrass's hands, immediately capturing his interest. Hollywood strikes temporarily slowed progress, but once settled, both Greengrass and McConaughey expressed enthusiasm for the project, the latter after a meeting with the producers.
Greengrass remains attached to Warner Bros.' adaptation of "Drowning," based on the bestselling novel, but "The Lost Bus" takes priority before diving into that project. McConaughey, who hasn't been seen in a major feature film in a while, recently signed on to the Apple TV+ comedy series alongside Woody Harrelson, but it seems "The Lost Bus" might be his next big cinematic venture.
With top-tier talent both in front of and behind the camera, and a powerful true story at its heart, "The Lost Bus" promises a gripping and emotional experience. Keep your eyes peeled for further updates, as this thrilling project edges closer to reality.
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