It used to be that kids dreamed of a day when they could make money from playing video games. Well, those days are basically here, whether through tournaments or through streaming. But the story of Jann Mardenborough is different. He was so good at the Sony Playstation Gran Turismo racing games that he actually became an actual racer, getting paid to get behind the wheel.
Mardenborough’s story comes to life in the new Gran Turismo movie, directed by District 9 and Elysium filmmaker Neill Blomkamp. The film stars David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Djimon Hounsou, Darren Barnet, Geri “Ginger Spice” Halliwell, and Archie Madekwe as Jann Mardenborough.
Here’s the synopsis: Gran Turismo is based on the unbelievable true story of a team of unlikely underdogs – a struggling working-class gamer, a failed former racecar driver, and an idealistic motorsport executive. Together, they risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world. Gran Turismo is an inspiring, thrilling, and action-packed story that proves that nothing is impossible when you’re fueled from within.
Gran Turismo races into theaters on August 11th.