Award-nominated actress America Ferrera is set to grace the screen once again, this time alongside Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey in the upcoming drama “The Lost Bus,” helmed by Oscar nominee Paul Greengrass.
“The Lost Bus,” developed, produced, and distributed by Apple Original Films, boasts an original screenplay penned by Brad Inglesby, acclaimed for his work on “Mare of Easttown.” The narrative draws inspiration from Lizzie Johnson’s book “Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire,” chronicling the harrowing events of the 2018 California wildfires, which claimed over 100 lives and ravaged the town of Paradise. The film promises to delve into the heroic journey of Kevin McKay (portrayed by McConaughey) and Mary Ludwig (embodied by Ferrera), a bus driver and teacher, as they shepherd a busload of young students through the treacherous Camp Fire. Production is slated to commence in the spring.
Ferrera’s involvement in “The Lost Bus” follows her recent acclaim, marked by her inaugural Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress in Greta Gerwig’s box office sensation “Barbie,” where she portrayed the adventurous Gloria, a character navigating the whimsical world of Barbie. Notably, Ferrera stands as the ninth Latina actress to secure a nomination in this category, following Ariana DeBose’s win for “West Side Story” in 2021.
With a career spanning two decades, Ferrera catapulted to prominence with her breakout role in the 2002 film “Real Women Have Curves” and further solidified her status as a leading figure in entertainment with her portrayal of Betty Suarez in the acclaimed TV series “Ugly Betty.” Her stellar performance earned her the distinction of being the first and only Latina to clinch the lead comedy actress Emmy in 2007, a feat unmatched to date. Additionally, Ferrera boasts accolades from the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild. Not content with solely gracing the screen, Ferrera is poised to make her directorial debut with “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” an adaptation of the renowned novel penned by Linda Yvette Chavez, slated for production in 2024.
Director Paul Greengrass, renowned for his poignant storytelling in films like “United 93,” which earned him his sole directing nomination, and blockbusters like “The Bourne Ultimatum,” “Captain Phillips,” and “News of the World,” is set to orchestrate the cinematic tapestry of “The Lost Bus.” Meanwhile, McConaughey, a recipient of the coveted Academy Award for his portrayal of Ron Woodroof in “Dallas Buyers Club,” lends his talent to bring Kevin McKay to life.
The production boasts a stellar lineup of producers, including Jamie Lee Curtis’ Comet Pictures, Jason Blum’s Blumhouse, Brad Ingelsby, and Greg Goodman, with Lizzie Johnson and Amy Lord serving as executive producers. This collaboration marks the second venture between Apple and Inglesby, following their forthcoming project “Echo Valley” starring Julianne Moore.
