The highly anticipated Gran Turismo movie is gearing up for release, and the promotional efforts are in full swing. Initially developed by Polyphony Digital, Gran Turismo is a renowned PlayStation racing simulation video game series.
Since its debut in 1997 on the original PlayStation, the franchise has been a massive success, with seven main series games and six secondary ones. Throughout its long history, Gran Turismo has maintained its position as a beloved racing series in video games.
What sets it apart is its remarkable realism in portraying the driving experience, a crucial element that carries over to the plot of the upcoming Gran Turismo movie. Each instalment in the series boasts an impressive level of real-world detail, from an extensive collection of cars to accurate physics that factor in environmental elements akin to those experienced by actual drivers.
Gran Turismo has given rise to a thriving industry surrounding the game, where dedicated players can access various kits and racing cockpits to immerse themselves in the driving simulation further.
This passionate sub-culture of serious players has played a significant role in shaping the narrative of the Gran Turismo movie. Beyond being a video game adaptation, the film promises to deliver a compelling sports story around virtual drivers competing on real-world circuits.
What is the Expected Release Date for Gran Turismo?
The release date for Gran Turismo is August 11, 2023. The Gran Turismo release date was announced just a few months after the film’s confirmation, indicating that filming was swift and that the production company was confident that post-production would proceed without a hitch.
This is not a game. This is reality. @GranTurismo is exclusively in movie theaters August 11. pic.twitter.com/92yFNdjkby
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) June 7, 2023
The Gran Turismo movie was confirmed a decade ago, so it’s been a lengthy road to this point. Fifty Shades of Grey producers Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti were announced to be attached to a new movie in 2013. Then, in 2015, Tron: Legacy director Joseph Kosinski was attached to direct, but those plans were scrapped in 2018.
There was no further news until 2022 when Sony and PlayStation stated that a new Gran Turismo film was in the works (via Deadline). This news came shortly after the release of Uncharted, and its popularity may have been just what the firm needed to move forward with Gran Turismo.
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Gran Turismo: The Plot & True Story
Gran Turismo is a coming-of-age sports drama film inspired by the true tale of Jann Mardenborough, a teenage Gran Turismo player aiming to be a race car driver. It is based on the PlayStation Studios racing simulation video game series. Archie Madekwe plays Mardenborough in the film, which also stars David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner, and Djimon Hounsou. Sony Pictures Entertainment released the Gran Turismo official trailer-
This is not a game. This is reality. @GranTurismo is exclusively in movie theaters August 11. pic.twitter.com/92yFNdjkby
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) June 7, 2023
The plot revolves around Lucas, a young car racing prodigy from London who aspires to compete in the GT World Championship. Lucas is gifted but lacks the financial means to follow his ambition. One day, Lucas wins a Nissan-sponsored tournament, which allows him to compete in the GT Academy, a real-world racing academy for Gran Turismo gamers. If Lucas wants to become a professional racing car driver, he must overcome his lack of experience and show himself to the academy’s professors.
True Tale:
The genuine story of Jann Mardenborough, a British racing driver discovered through the Nissan PlayStation GT Academy, inspired the film. Mardenborough, a 17-year-old Gran Turismo player from Coventry, England, won a Nissan-sponsored competition that allowed him to compete in the GT Academy.

Mardenborough’s driving abilities pleased the academy’s teachers, and he was eventually offered a contract to compete for Nissan in the World Series by Renault. Mardenborough had a successful racing career and is now an FIA World Endurance Championship member. Following this link, you can watch the trailer for Gran Turismo.
Here is the cast list of Gran Turismo
- David Harbour as Nathan
- Archie Madekwe as Lucas
- Orlando Bloom as Cole
- Darren Barnet as Kaz
- Djimon Hounsou as Shaun
- Geri Halliwell as Kathy
- Daniel Puig as Memo
- Josha Stradowski as Marco
- Thomas Kretschmann as Professor Miles
- Maeve Courtier-Lilley as Audrey
- Emelia Hartford as Chloe
- Pepe Barroso as Fernando
- Sang Heon Lee as Seok-min
- Max Mundt as Rudy
- Nikhil Parmar as Samir
- Andrea Vasiliou as Dr Thompson
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Gran Turismo 7 on PS VR2?
Answer: Yes, Gran Turismo 7 is compatible with PS VR2. You can enjoy the VR mode on PS5 consoles with update 1.29, requiring both a PS VR2 headset and a PS5 console.
Can I upgrade my PS4 version to the PS5 version?
Answer: You can upgrade your PS4 version of Gran Turismo 7 to the PS5 version. If you have the standard edition on PS4, you can buy a USD 10 upgrade to access the PS5 digital version. For the PS4 disc version, you’ll need a PS5 console with a disc drive for the upgrade promotion.
Why does Gran Turismo require an internet connection?
Answer: Gran Turismo 7 needs an online reference for several reasons. It uses online servers to store and save files, ensuring fair gameplay by preventing cheating. The internet connection also enables engaging online features like Daily Races and Sport Mode for global multiplayer racing experiences.
What makes Gran Turismo stand out as a great racing game?
Answer: Gran Turismo is highly regarded due to its exceptional attention to detail, presenting stunning visuals for cars, tracks, and environments. The game’s realistic physics model gives players an authentic and immersive driving experience. Moreover, its extensive content, including a vast selection of cars and tracks, contributes to its reputation as an outstanding racing simulation.