Neill Blomkamp's (District 9, Elysium) adaptation of the classic Gran Turismo video game is now shooting in Hungary, and we have word on some new cast additions - one of which is sure to raise a few eyebrows.
According to THR (via GameFragger.com), Djimon Hounsou (Guardians of the Galaxy, Blood Diamond), Daniel Puig (Naomi), Josha Stradowski (The Wheel of Time), Thomas Kretschman (King Kong, The Piano) and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner have all signed on for supporting roles.
Apparently, the one-time Ginger Spice landed the gig through her husband, who is a former racer and current member of Red Bull’s Formula One team. Halliwell-Horner has only made a couple of film/TV appearances in the past, including a cameo in season six of Sex and the City. She also played herself in the Spice World movie.
David Harbour and Archie Madekwe are playing the leads.
Based on the best-selling PlayStation racing game, the movie is actually inspired by the true story of a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won him a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional race-car driver. Madekwe is playing the teen, while Harbour is a retired driver who takes him under his wing.
Hounsou and Halliwell-Horner are playing the teen’s parents, with Puig set to portray his bother. Stradowski, meanwhile, is a rival driver, and Kretschmann is playing his father.
There doesn't seem to be much hype for this one, but Blomkamp is sure to deliver in the action department at the very least.
Sony Pictures will release Gran Turismo theatrically Aug. 11, 2023.