Gran Turismo true story: Jann Mardenborough and Neill Blomkamp explain

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In the past few months, you likely wouldn’t have missed noticing if you came across promotional materials for movies – trailers, billboards, or bus ads. One movie that has been widely advertised is the new Gran Turismo film, which is inspired by real events.

Indeed, the movie, titled “Based on a True Story: The Rise of Jann Mardenborough, the Dedicated Gamer Turned Professional Racer,” draws inspiration from real-life events.

Could it be that you’re curious about how closely the movie mirrors Mardenborough’s actual story? Were any creative liberties taken by the filmmakers to infuse a touch of cinematic flair into the narrative?

Read on for everything you need to know.

Gran Turismo true story: Jann Mardenborough, Neill Blomkamp explain

As per director Neill Blomkamp, the movie is essentially a genuine portrayal of the true events – featuring minimal alterations or departures from what truly transpired.

Many folks might suspect we add extra details, but aside from the car chase scene at the start of the film, there’s very little I can identify as not an accurate portrayal of real events.

Regarding this matter, Mardenborough frequently gets questioned about identifying scenes from the movie that are fictional. His answer, however, remains consistent each time.

He expressed, “You see, my journey has been remarkably unconventional.” With my entry into racing through the [Gran Turismo] Academy and coming from an ordinary background, and then the extraordinary events that unfolded in my racing career, it’s all quite unexpected for me.

He continued, “I’m talking about the types of racing, the racing vehicles, the conflicts, and even the mishaps. You see, my name is linked to this, and I am passionate about showcasing my sport in an outstanding manner because I adore it, and I believe it deserves a proper representation.

While the movie seems to mirror Mardenborough’s real-life journey quite accurately, it is essential to note that it is not intended to serve as a documentary.

One instance to note is that several secondary characters in the film are either combined or purely fictional, like Orlando Bloom’s portrayal of Danny Moore, who is modeled after GT Academy founder Darren Cox, and David Harbour’s character Jack Salter, who was specifically crafted for this movie.

In addition to the main events, several alterations have been incorporated into the true narrative. For instance, contrary to what the movie suggests, Mardenborough was the third GT Academy winner, not the initial one.

Contrary to what is depicted in the movie, the fatal crash at Nürburgring didn’t occur early in Jann Mardenborough’s career, but rather after he had achieved a podium finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015.

Instead, the movie primarily focuses on Mardenborough’s narrative, incorporating details that may not have been included otherwise due to Mardenborough’s active involvement in the production. Blomkamp referred to this as an “extremely valuable” experience because Mardenborough served as an executive producer and stunt driver on set.

He expressed his affection for having him participate, and he often sought his input by asking numerous questions. He frequently presented ideas to him as a means of ensuring their accuracy and honesty.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself deeply immersed in the filmmaking process due to the unique opportunity of having constant access to the director. This ongoing interaction allowed me to casually fire off questions at any hour, shaping not only the broader storyline and structure but also the subtle, intricate details like the set design. The advantage of having him readily available was immense; we could instantly amplify realism by simply asking for clarifications or adjustments on the spot.

Mardenborough shared that this procedure led to some hidden references in the movie, which only he and his inner group can recognize.

Any observant spectator would recognize… a moment where I’m competing in the GT Academy, and in the upper-left corner, my PlayStation Network username is displayed, which is my actual one. This detail is known only to PlayStation Network users,” he clarified.

Additionally, the gaming setup in my bedroom is identical to the one I utilized to earn a spot in GT Academy.

The significance lies in the fact that I designed, built, and decorated this particular prop in an Art Deco style because it was a project from my school, which helped me secure admission to GT-A. So, when asking Neill Blomkamp if he could include these props in the film, I was essentially requesting him to acknowledge and showcase my work.

Besides consulting with Blomkamp, Mardenborough was also sought out for guidance by actor Archie Madekwe as he prepared for the leading role. Interestingly, they happened to meet unexpectedly at Silverstone about a month prior to the start of filming.

Mardenborough stated that he had been driving a GT3 vehicle, which was a completely new sight for the other person. He added that this setup was ideal for introducing him to racing cars because he hadn’t had any previous experience with such environments.

1) He was incredibly thoughtful, showing genuine interest in learning more about me, both professionally and personally. He truly fits the role perfectly, inspiring complete trust with his exceptional skills. He excelled in the task brilliantly.

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2025-06-03 17:04