Behind the Scenes: Gran Turismo Movie Uncovers The Untold Battles of Game Adaptation

Summary

Gran Turismo is a movie adaptation of the true story of a gamer, Jann Mardenborough, who turned his passion for racing into a professional career.

Madekwe experienced physical difficulties during filming, such as discomfort from sitting in a seatless race car and enduring the intense physical demands of racing.

While the movie faithfully depicts Mardenborough's terrifying crash at Nürburgring Nordschleife, there have been criticisms regarding its placement in the story timeline. Nevertheless, audiences have found the heartwarming narrative to be of greater significance than this particular aspect.

Jann Mardenborough sheds light on Archie Madekwe's real-life challenges on the Gran Turismo set, where the movie pushes its characters to their physical limits. Starring David Harbour and Orlando Bloom, this project is a unique adaptation of the popular Sony racing video game franchise. Unlike most adaptations, Gran Turismo is based on the true story of a gamer who turned his racing passion into a professional career.

Ahead of the movie's release and before the SAG-AFTRA strike, Screen Rant had an exclusive conversation with Jann Mardenborough, where he discussed Gran Turismo. Mardenborough revealed the real-life struggles faced by Archie Madekwe during the video game adaptation production, particularly the physical strain of experiencing actual racing, which Mardenborough himself has become a professional in. Read below to find out what Mardenborough had to say.

Archie, being tall, faced the discomfort of sitting in a seatless race car. Typically, race cars are constructed using carbon material, with a seat placed on top of it. Without the seat, one's spine would compress, making it impossible to exit and walk. However, due to his height, Archie had to remove the seat. Keep in mind, he was driving at a speed of 150 miles per hour, fully engaged in the action, and experiencing every sensation. He felt the force of gravity and the intense heat, resulting in real sweat. He described the experience as "an assault on the senses." Personally, I downplay it since it's part of my job. But for someone who hasn't experienced it before, they often compare it to being in a fight with someone like Mike Tyson. Everything hurts, every part of your body is sore, and you're mentally exhausted. Personally, it's just a part of the game for me, which helps me improve. I train diligently every day, prioritize my nutrition, and closely monitor my weight because that's what it takes to become the best driver possible. It's a fundamental aspect of my life. It's not merely about sitting down, pressing a few buttons, turning the wheel, and driving on a Sunday. It's a battle.

What We Know About The True Story Behind Gran Turismo

In the movie Gran Turismo, Madekwe portrays Mardenborough, showcasing his remarkable journey to becoming a professional racing star. Mardenborough, an enthusiastic gamer, had the opportunity to fulfill his dreams through the now-defunct GT Academy sponsored by Nissan. This global competition attracted 90,000 players vying for the chance to partake in real-world races for the automotive company. His inaugural race at the Dubai 24 Hour resulted in a commendable third place finish in his class, igniting his involvement in various other significant races.

The Gran Turismo movie highlights a particularly infamous incident from Mardenborough's life: a horrifying crash at Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2015. Tragically, one spectator lost their life, and several others sustained injuries. The second trailer for the film accurately portrays the moment where Mardenborough's car flips over the guard fence, emphasizing the emotional toll it had on him.

While Gran Turismo's portrayal of the crash is accurate, it has faced significant criticism for its incorporation into Mardenborough's underdog narrative during his early career, despite the crash occurring years after his rise to fame in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, upon its exclusive screenings, audiences have embraced the heartwarming storyline of the film and have shown less concern about this particular aspect compared to the critics.