The Lost Bus (2025)
Paul Greengrass directs this gripping survival thriller inspired by the true story of a school bus trapped in a catastrophic California wildfire.
The Lost Bus - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Lost Bus
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: Paul Greengrass
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: Blumhouse Productions, Comet Pictures, Apple Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Шкільний автобус (UA), İtmiş Avtobus (AZ), האוטובוס האבוד (IL)
The Lost Bus - Plot
A determined father risks everything to rescue a dedicated teacher and her students from a raging wildfire.
The Lost Bus - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the harrowing survival story unfold:
Inspired by a true story of survival.
Where to Watch The Lost Bus
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The Lost Bus - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paul Greengrass
Main Cast
- Matthew McConaughey
- America Ferrera
- Yul Vazquez
- Ashlie Atkinson
- Kimberli Flores
- Levi McConaughey
- Kay McConaughey
- John Messina
- Kate Wharton
- Danny McCarthy
Writers
- Brad Ingelsby
- Paul Greengrass
Producers
- Brad Ingelsby
- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Jason Blum
- Gregory Goodman
The Lost Bus - FAQs
Is The Lost Bus based on a true story?
Yes, The Lost Bus is inspired by real events. The film draws from the harrowing 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, where a school bus driver and teacher worked desperately to protect children from one of the deadliest wildfires in California history. The tagline itself confirms: 'Inspired by a true story of survival.'
What really happened during the 2018 Camp Fire?
The 2018 Camp Fire devastated Paradise, California, killing 85 people and destroying nearly 19,000 structures. A school bus became trapped in the inferno as the town was engulfed. The driver and a teacher kept students calm and safe while flames surrounded them — a real act of courage that inspired this film.
Who are the main actors in The Lost Bus?
Matthew McConaughey leads the cast as Kevin McKay, a determined father, alongside America Ferrera as teacher Mary Ludwig. The supporting cast includes Yul Vazquez, Ashlie Atkinson, Kimberli Flores, and Levi McConaughey. Notably, real-life mother and son Kay McConaughey and Levi McConaughey both appear alongside Matthew.
Where can you stream The Lost Bus?
You can watch The Lost Bus on Apple TV as a flat-rate streaming title. It's also available through the Apple TV Amazon Channel, so if you already subscribe to that channel via Amazon, you can stream it there too without any additional cost.
What is The Lost Bus about?
The Lost Bus follows a desperate father who races into a catastrophic wildfire to save a teacher and her busload of students. Rooted in the real 2018 Camp Fire tragedy in California, the film explores courage, sacrifice, and the fierce instinct to protect children when survival seems impossible.
What is the age rating for The Lost Bus?
The Lost Bus is rated R in the United States. Given the film's intense wildfire sequences, themes of children in danger, and the harrowing survival scenario it depicts, the R rating reflects content that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Parental guidance is strongly advised.
How long is The Lost Bus?
The Lost Bus runs for 2 hours and 10 minutes (130 minutes). Director Paul Greengrass uses that runtime to build sustained tension, immersing viewers in the chaos and desperation of a wildfire evacuation gone terribly wrong — very much in line with his signature visceral, documentary-style filmmaking.
Who directed The Lost Bus and what is their style?
Paul Greengrass directed The Lost Bus. Known for United 93, Captain Phillips, and the Bourne series, Greengrass specializes in tense, grounded thrillers rooted in real events. His handheld, immersive approach is a perfect fit for this survival story, bringing raw urgency to every scene.
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