After wowing critics in its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, The Lost Bus is pulling in with a gripping new trailer highlighting the heroism that saved 22 kids during one of America’s deadliest blazes. Directed by Paul Greengrass in his first film since the Tom Hanks-led western News of the World, the action thriller adapts Lizzie Johnson’s novel Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire and follows the courageous efforts of a wayward bus driver played by Matthew McConaughey during the 2018 Camp Fire. Weighed down by personal and work troubles, he braves the flames to reach the trapped children and their teacher and bring them back safely as the fire continues to grow. The new footage comes just ahead of the film’s premiere in select theaters on September 19, before it arrives on Apple TV+ in October. The trailer opens in Paradise, California, and introduces Kevin McKay (McConaughey), whose life isn’t in the best spot. He’s currently living with his mother, appears to have a strained relationship with his son, and is generally struggling to get by working as a bus driver. Yet, while his life has “turned to shame” and he believes there are no second chances for him, he sees a chance to do something for the greater good when he gets a call to pick up the kids caught in the blaze. With help from their dedicated instructor, played by America Ferrera, McKay navigates a treacherous scenario brought back to life in both horrifying and stunning fashion for the film. As first responders stand by and do what they can amid a wildly out-of-control disaster, he races the bus through walls of flame on all sides, trying to get them home. The Lost Bus is a star-studded creative team-up, with the Oscar-nominated Captain Phillips helmer Greengrass directing from a screenplay he penned with Brad Ingelsby. Ingelsby is best known for his acclaimed crime drama miniseries Mare of Easttown, starring Kate Winslet, though he’s most recently returned to the small screen with his latest buzzy HBO show Task with Mark Ruffalo. On top of them, Jason Blum will be producing through Blumhouse Productions in a rare non-horror outing for the company, joining Jamie Lee Curtis through Comet Pictures and regular Greengrass collaborator Gregory Goodman. Rounding out the cast alongside McConaughey and Ferrera are Yul Vazquez, Ashlie Atkinson, and Spencer Watson.
‘The Lost Bus’ Was a Standout in a Stacked TIFF Lineup

At a very crowded TIFF that featured standouts like Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Hamnet, Rian Johnson’s hotly anticipated Knives Out threequel Wake Up Dead Man, James McAvoy’s directorial debut California Schemin’, and much more, The Lost Bus still managed to make waves. Following its world premiere, the film landed a strong 83% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with high praise for the escalating tension Greengrass brings to the historic disaster. Collider’s Nate Richard gave it a 7/10 in his review, writing, “Thanks to some immersive setpieces, grounded performances, and stellar direction, the latest film from Apple TV+ rises above its shortcomings, resulting in a gripping docudrama that is worthy of your time.” It’s shaping up to be a return to form for Greengrass, and viewers won’t have to wait long to get their eyes on the thriller. The Lost Bus premieres in select theaters tomorrow, September 19, before coming home on Apple TV+ on October 3. Check out the new trailer in the player above.

Release Date

October 3, 2025

Runtime

130 minutes

Director

Paul Greengrass

Writers

Paul Greengrass, Brad Ingelsby, Lizzie Johnson

Producers

Gregory Goodman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jason Blum, Brad Ingelsby