There have been numerous reasons why video game adaptations haven’t been successful for the most part in theaters or on TV screens. First, most people can’t translate the story or worlds accurately so that people can get invested, which leaves the quality in the toilet more often than not. Another problem is that when they try and take things to the live-action world, it’s hard to “believe” certain things that are happening. However, with the upcoming Gran Turismo movie, there is a twist that makes it more than “another game adaptation.” That’s because this movie is based on the real-life story of a real-life gamer turned driver.
Specifically, this is the story of Jann Mardenborough, a dedicated gamer in the video game series. He was just 19 years old when he was watching TV, saw the “Nissan GT Academy” challenge in an ad, and realized he could use his skills to become a real race car driver. Although he admits he had no experience driving race cars, he went to the academy, completed it, and became a race car driver. Not only that, he’s been a successful driver and one of the film’s stunt drivers! That’s what you call a “full circle moment.”
While you might not think this makes a difference overall, it’s the opposite. Because if you were told that this Gran Turismo movie was being made and that it was about a “video gamer becoming a real race car driver,” you likely wouldn’t believe such a thing could be possible. They even state that in the trailer via the character played by David Harbour. But the fact is that this did happen. The academy was real, and Jann was able to complete it and live out a dream that everyone said was impossible.
It’s true that the movie likely won’t be a perfect 1-to-1 recreation of that journey as they still want to make it entertaining in certain ways, but the core of the story is true. So that puts it in another league when it comes to adaptations.
In fact, the film’s director has said it’s more akin to a “sports movie” than a “video game adaptation,” although you could easily put it in both camps for various reasons.
No matter what, it’s unique to see a movie like this being made. So if you’re ready to hit the track, be ready for when this film hits theaters in August.
