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The Lost Bus recounts a real-life story from the 2018 Camp Fire in California. The film follows the journey of a school bus driver, a teacher, and children who face one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history. Directed by Paul Greengrass and co-written with Brad Ingelsby, it is adapted from Lizzie Johnson’s non-fiction book Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire.
The Lost Bus features Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, and Yul Vazquez, among others. McConaughey's son and mother also act alongside him in this survival drama.
The film not only follows those who are inside the bus but also expands to officials, residents, and responders who work under extreme conditions. This makes the film an ensemble-led narrative rather than a single-character survival tale.
Who plays who in The Lost Bus?
Matthew McConaughey as Kevin McKay
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Matthew McConaughey portrays Kevin McKay, the school bus driver, who takes responsibility for the children during the wildfire evacuation. His character is based on the real Kevin McKay, who drove the bus through the fire.
McConaughey is best known for his roles in Dallas Buyers Club, which earned him an Academy Award, and Interstellar, where he played astronaut Joseph Cooper. His other notable works include How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Magic Mike, The Gentlemen, and a voice cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine.
America Ferrera as Mary Ludwig
Oscar-nominated actress America Ferrera essays the character of Mary Ludwig, a teacher who supports McKay and the children during the escape. Her role combines real-life accounts of teachers who were on the bus.
Ferrera is recognized for her roles in Ugly Betty, for which she won an Emmy, and for her performance in Barbie. She has also starred in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants films, Real Women Have Curves, and voiced Astrid in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy.
Yul Vazquez as Ray Martinez
Yul Vazquez stars in The Lost Bus as Ray Martinez, the Cal Fire division chief coordinating on-the-ground firefighting efforts. Vazquez is known for Captain Phillips, where he previously collaborated with director Paul Greengrass, as well as for Severance and Russian Doll. His career spans roles in films and shows such as Bad Boys II, Amigo, The Infiltrator, and Narcos: Mexico.
He is also a Tony Award-nominated stage actor and has a background in music as a guitarist for the bands Urgent and Diving for Pearls.
Ashlie Atkinson as Ruby Bishop
Ashlie Atkinson appears as Ruby Bishop, the bus depot dispatcher who communicates with McKay as the fire advances and provides critical updates while the bus attempts to escape.
Atkinson is known for her roles in BlacKkKlansman, where she portrayed Connie Kendrickson, and as Janice in Mr. Robot. She has also starred in The Gilded Age, Inside Man, and And Just Like That.
Levi McConaughey as Shaun McKay
Shaun McKay, Kevin’s son in the story, is played by Matthew McConaughey’s real-life son, Levi McConaughey, in his acting debut. In the film, Shaun represents the family ties Kevin is determined to protect during the fire.
Speaking to reporters at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of The Lost Bus on September 5, Matthew shared that his son had approached him about the role. The Oscar-winning actor revealed that he had sent an audition tape to the casting director but kept his son's last name hidden.
Kay McConaughey as Sherry McKay
Kevin’s mother, Sherry McKay, is also portrayed by Matthew McConaughey’s real mother, Kay McConaughey. She has previously appeared in Richard Linklater’s Bernie as a townspeople. She has also made television appearances and continues to support her son’s projects through cameo roles.
Additional characters and guest stars in The Lost Bus
- Kate Wharton as Jen Kissoon - A Cal Fire battalion chief.
- Danny McCarthy as Matt McKenzie - A teacher
- Spencer Watson as Elliot Hopkins - A responder involved during the fire.
- Nathan Gariety as Toby - A supporting role.
- Gary Kraus as Sheriff Thomas - The sheriff during the evacuation.
- Kimberli Flores as Linda - A local resident.
The cast also includes cameo appearances by real survivors of the 2018 Camp Fire, including John Messina, Beth Bowersox, and Sean Norman, who appear as themselves.
What is The Lost Bus about, and where to watch it
The Lost Bus is based on the true story of school bus driver Kevin McKay and teacher Mary Ludwig, who navigated a bus full of children through the rapidly spreading 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in California’s history. The story recounts their efforts to ensure the survival of 22 children, capturing real events adapted from Lizzie Johnson’s reporting.
The Lost Bus had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 5. It was released in select U.S. theaters on September 19 and premiered globally on Apple TV+ on October 3, 2025. A home release on DVD and Blu-ray is expected in December 2025.
Interested viewers can watch the movie on Apple TV+.
