In conversation with Rich, Grand touring star Archie Madekwe has spoken about the upcoming Sony Pictures adaptation of the popular racing video game, which was its first major project since appearing on Apple TV+’s See series. Madekwe revealed how preparing for his role in the coming-of-age drama, which he described as “a real-world superhero story,” transformed his life.
In conversation with Rich, Grand touring star Archie Madekwe has spoken about the upcoming Sony Pictures adaptation of the popular racing video game, which was its first major project since appearing on Apple TV+’s See series. Madekwe revealed how preparing for his role in the coming-of-age drama, which he described as “a real-world superhero story,” transformed his life.
“Two years ago it wasn’t me. Racing was not my world. “I didn’t care about cars,” Madekwe said. “But that’s what’s so special about Jann (Mardenborough) – you don’t have to be a petrolhead to be inspired by what he’s accomplished.”
Gran Turismo is slated to hit theaters on August 11, where the film will compete against Universal Pictures’ The Last Voyage of Demeter. It also premieres in the same month as other high-profile films, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Meg 2: The Trench, and Blue Beetle.
Who is involved in the Gran Turismo film?
Gran Turismo is directed by Neill Blomkamp from a screenplay co-written by co-executive producers Jason Hall and Zach Baylin. It stars David Harbour, Archie Madekwe, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Djimon Hounsou, Geri Halliwell-Horner, Daniel Puig, Josha Stradowski and German actor Thomas Kretschmann.
“Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, the film is the ultimate wish-granting tale of a teenage Gran Turismo gamer who used his gaming skills to win a series of Nissan competitions to become a true professional racer,” reads the synopsis.
The film is being produced by Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, Doug Belgrade and Dana Brunetti, and executive produced by game developer Kazunori Yamauchi. Originally released in 1997, the Gran Turismo franchise has grown into one of the most popular racing video games of all time, known for its meticulous attention to detail and realism.