Gran Turismo movie: World’s most iconic racing franchise makes big screen debut

Sony Pictures has partnered with Michelin to tell the adrenaline-fueled true story of a teenage gamer aspiring to become a professional racing driver in Gran Turismo: Based on a true story.

Based on the real-life of Jann Mardenborough: a working-class racing game enthusiast whose talent in the virtual realm – playing Gran Turismo – bags him a spot behind the wheel of a real Nissan racing car, the movie will bring together car enthusiasts and gamers alike.

Gran Turismo truly revolutionised the racing game landscape when it hit shelves back in 1997. It’s meticulous attention to detail, realistic simulation, and near endless car and track line-up set it apart from the blocky, pixelated visuals and crude arcade physics models of competitors. To further enhance this realism, it was only natural for Gran Turismo to bring in Michelin as it’s official tyre supplier of ‘FIA certified Gran Turismo Championships.’

As Gran Turismo’s “Official tyre technology partner”, Michelin provides realistic tyre specifications to improve game-play – from performance and consistency to longevity, grip and wear. The series has evolved so far, it is now genuinely difficult to differentiate between game and reality. Quite fitting really, given the plot of Sony’s new movie based on the franchise.

Directed by Neill Blomkamp, with commentary by the main man himself – Mardenborough – Gran Turismo: Based on a true story will give a real behind-the-scenes sense of this almost fantastical tale. To add authenticity, which eagle-eyed trailer viewers may already have spotted, Mardenborough himself serves as official stunt driver throughout the film.

For a taster of what’s to come, check out the official Gran Turismo movie trailer below:

So how does hurtling down straights at breakneck speed and pulling huge G-forces in the bends compare to racing from the comfort of an armchair? And can Mardenborough (played by Archie Madekwe) forge a successful career as a professional racer? You’ll need to watch and find out.

If that doesn’t quite pique your interest, a star-studded cast including the likes of Orlando Bloom, David Harbour and Geri Halliwell certainly might.

So, if you’ve ever sat in front of the PlayStation and dreamt of how magical it would feel to blip the throttle and slam home gears in a real racing car, then this film will be right up your street.

Gran Turismo: Based on a true story premiers 9th August.

Win tickets!

Get tickets for you and a friend, courtesy of Michelin tyres. We’re giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets to see the film at a Cineworld near you. Simply drop a comment on our social competition before 10th August. Good luck!