The Lost Bus cast as Oscar-winning star acts alongside beloved family in inspiring true story
A riveting drama film based on an inspiring true story has just been released on Apple TV+ - let’s take a look at the cast, which includes some surprising names
The Lost Bus has dropped on Apple TV+ just in time for subscribers to be inspired by this breathtaking true tale of survival over the weekend.
Directed by Captain Phillips filmmaker Paul Greengrass and written by Task and Mare of Easttown’s Brad Ingelsby, it’s already been a hit with audiences after its theatrical release in the US last month.
Based on the incredible true story of Kevin McKay, this heroic bus driver battled through the devastating of the 2018 Camp Fire in California to ensure the safety of 22 children.
On board with him were 50-year-old second-grade teacher Mary Ludwig and 29-year-old kindergarten teacher Abbie Gerspacher-Davis, who did their best to comfort the young passengers as they drove through the deadliest wildfire in California history.
Let’s take a look at the stars portraying the real-life heroes as well as the supporting cast, which includes some rather surprising additions.
Who plays Kevin and Mary in The Lost Bus?
Bus driver Kevin McKay is portrayed by the Oscar-winning Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey in his latest leading movie role.
McConaughey is best known for leading hit rom-coms such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Failure to Launch as well as blockbusters Interstellar and The Gentlemen.
He won an Academy Award for his lead performance in Dallas Buyers Club and has most recently made a cameo appearance in Deadpool and Wolverine as Cowboypool.
In the film, Kevin is supported by school teacher Mary Ludwig, who provides comfort to the schoolkids and even takes turns driving the bus through the disaster.
Mary is portrayed by Oscar-nominated Barbie actress America Ferrera.
Fans will also know Ferrera for her roles in Ugly Betty and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the sitcom Superstore and as the voice of Astrid in the How to Train Your Dragon franchise.
Fellow teacher Abbie Gerspacher-Davis is not included in the film, with aspects of her role in the rescue amalgamated with Mary.
Who is in the supporting cast?
Cal Fire Division chief Ray Martinez is portrayed by actor Yul Vazquez, who is recently best known for roles in Russian Dolls and Severance. He has also appeared in Bad Boys II and used to be the lead guitarist for the bands Urgent and Diving for Pearls.
Bus depot dispatcher Ruby is portrayed by Ashlie Atkinson, who has appeared in hit shows such as Mr Robot, The Gilded Age and And Just Like That as well as the Spike Lee film BlacKkKlansman.
Finally, Prison Break star Danny McCarthy portrays another teacher named Matt McKenzie, who appears to be a fictional creation for the film.
The rest of the cast includes:
- Kate Wharton as Jen Kissoon, Cal Fire battalion chief
- Spencer Watson as Hopkins
- Nathan Gariety as Levi
- Gary Kraus as Sheriff Thomas
Apple TV+ members can save £30.88 by paying for a year up front.
Whose relatives appear in The Lost Bus?
Lead actor McConaughey has a very personal connection to the film as not just one but two members of his own family appear in major roles.
His mother Kay McConaughey, born Mary Kathlene McCabe, portrayed Kevin’s mother Sherry McKay at the age of 93. She has previously appeared in the film Bernie as a townsperson.
Plus, the actor’s 17-year-old son Levi McConaughey took on his first ever screen role by playing Kevin’s son Shaun, both of whom the driver is desperate to get back to as he tackles the inferno.
McConaughey told the BBC: "Just to be in a scene with those two, I never thought that was something that would happen.”
Revealing he “pitches” all of his roles to his family, the star shared that his son was keen to read for the role when McConaughey told him Kevin has a son.
"I went, 'Huh'. Didn't say anything," he recalled, smiling. "I wanted to see how much he wanted it.”
The Lost Bus is available to stream on Apple TV+.