The Lost Bus, a gripping true story of survival, has just landed on Apple TV+ for subscribers to enjoy over the weekend.
Directed by Captain Phillips’ Paul Greengrass and penned by Task and Mare of Easttown’s Brad Ingelsby, it has already won over audiences following its cinema release in the US last month.
The film is based on the remarkable true story of Kevin McKay, a heroic bus driver who battled through the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in California to ensure the safety of 22 children.
Joining him were Mary Ludwig, a 50-year-old second-grade teacher, and Abbie Gerspacher-Davis, a 29 year old kindergarten teacher, who did their utmost to comfort the young passengers as they navigated through the deadliest wildfire in California’s history.
Let’s delve into the cast portraying these real-life heroes, along with the supporting cast which includes some unexpected additions, reports the Mirror.
Who plays Kevin and Mary in The Lost Bus?
Bus driver Kevin McKay is brought to life by Oscar-winning Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey in his latest leading role.
McConaughey is renowned for his roles in popular rom-coms such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Failure to Launch, as well as blockbuster hits Interstellar and The Gentlemen.
He clinched an Academy Award for his lead performance in Dallas Buyers Club and 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
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, took on the role of Kevin’s mother Sherry McKay at the ripe age of 93. She has previously graced the silver screen in the film Bernie as a townsperson.
Moreover, the actor’s 17-year-old son Levi McConaughey made his acting debut by portraying Kevin’s son Shaun, a character who the driver is desperate to reunite with as he battles the raging fire.
Speaking to the BBC, McConaughey expressed: “Just to be in a scene with those two, I never thought that was something that would happen.”
He also revealed that he always “pitches” his roles to his family, and shared that his son was eager to audition for the role when McConaughey mentioned that Kevin has a son.
“I went, ‘Huh’. Didn’t say anything,” he reminisced, with a smile. “I wanted to see how much he wanted it.”
The Lost Bus is available to stream on Apple TV+.