Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera recently spoke with Extra’s Terri Seymour about their new film The Lost Bus, which draws from the harrowing events of the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California. The film focuses on the courageous efforts of school bus driver Kevin McKay, portrayed by McConaughey, and teacher Mary Ludwig, played by Ferrera, as they struggled to rescue 22 children from the advancing wildfire.
The story of The Lost Bus is compelling not only because it is grounded in reality but also due to the intense human experience it portrays amid calamity. McConaughey revealed the reasons behind his attraction to this project, emphasizing the authenticity of the event, the visionary direction, and the emotional depth offered to the actors.
Reasons Behind McConaughey’s Commitment to the Role
Matthew McConaughey explained his connection with the film, saying,
One, that it happened, it was based on real events, which gives any actor a little more purpose and reverence. Two, there was Paul Greengrass. I’m a fan of his films and I was like, ‘Oh, this is a guy who can really capture the epic nature of this and maybe have a point of view from the fire as a predator in a way that no one else has really done it on screen.’ And then three… he’s a director who’s going to give room for the actors to have a deeply personal human story in the middle of that.
—Matthew McConaughey
This comment highlights McConaughey’s respect for the true story and the filmmaker Paul Greengrass’s reputation for capturing intense, large-scale events. He also appreciated the chance to contribute to a deeply personal and human narrative within the chaos.
Portraying the Chaos and Urgency of the Camp Fire Evacuation
Reflecting on the frantic conditions that Kevin McKay and others faced during the fire, McConaughey described the breakdown of standard procedures amid the disaster. He said,
The rule book is thrown out the window. Everyone’s off on their own trying to survive. There’s chaos everywhere. When did he realize it was worse than it was? There were certain times I think… Kevin realized that actually this is not organized. This evacuation plan’s not going to work and I’m going to have to go rogue… he realized that earlier than some people might.
—Matthew McConaughey
This quote underscores the unpredictability and desperation faced by those involved, with Kevin McKay making critical decisions to protect the children when official plans failed.
America Ferrera Discusses Filmmaking Process and Character Experience
Co-star America Ferrera shared her experience working under Paul Greengrass’s direction, emphasizing the dynamic and spontaneous nature of the filming process. She said,
When the cameras rolled, we just had so much permission and freedom. And really the assignment from Paul was to just be in the moment, respond to what’s happening and every take was different and every take we discovered something new and the way Paul shoots is so dynamic and alive.
—America Ferrera
Ferrera admitted it was initially disorienting, stating,
strange and really confusing to me at first,
but she eventually grew comfortable, explaining that she
began to really feel at home in my character.
—America Ferrera
Her comments reveal the emotional challenge and eventual connection she found in portraying Mary Ludwig amidst the chaos depicted on-screen.
The Film’s Emotional Message and Release Information
Reflecting on the broader impact of the story, Ferrera emphasized the lessons the film imparts about life choices and second chances. She explained,
The takeaway for me in the film is about getting a chance to live your life the way that you would want to live it if you got another chance and I think that’s a very personal call to action, but it’s also, I think, a communal call to action, looking at our lives truthfully and honestly and then making a decision about how we want to be living them.
—America Ferrera
The Lost Bus is set to premiere in select theaters on September 19 and will become available to stream on Apple TV+ starting October 3. The film’s portrayal of real events and its somber tone remind audiences of the relentless fury of the Camp Fire and the humanity that emerged amid destruction, spotlighting McConaughey’s and Ferrera’s compelling performances.
