The dry California wind howls, carrying the scent of pine and the distant hum of cicadas.
In the small town of Paradise, the school day at Concow Elementary is ending. As Mary Ludwig, a dedicated teacher, shepherds her students onto the old yellow school bus, a wisp of smoke curls on the horizon – dismissed at first, but soon growing with alarming speed. Kevin McKay, a concerned father, watches from his rearview mirror as he drives away from the school for now. Sheriff Thomas, receives the first frantic call about a brush fire escalating beyond control. As Ruby Bishop, the school bus driver, navigates the winding mountain roads, the sky turns an ominous orange, the air thick with ash. Unbeknownst to them, the raging wildfire is hurtling towards them, cutting off their escape and turning their familiar route into a desperate race for survival and the bus becomes The Lost Bus..
The Lost Bus Movie Overview
Title | The Lost Bus |
---|---|
Release Status | Released |
Release Date | 2025-09-19 |
Runtime | 2 hours and 10 minutes |
Genre | Drama, Mystery, Thriller |
Original Language | En |
Spoken Language | English |
Country | United States of America |
Production Co. | Blumhouse Productions, Comet Pictures, Apple Studios |
The Lost Bus Movie Cast
Name | Character |
---|---|
Matthew McConaughey | Kevin McKay |
America Ferrera | Mary Ludwig |
Yul Vazquez | Chief Martinez |
Ashlie Atkinson | Ruby Bishop |
Kimberli Flores | Linda |
Levi McConaughey | Shaun |
Kay McConaughey | Sherry |
John Messina | John Messina |
Kate Wharton | Jen Kissoon |
Danny McCarthy | Matt McKenzie |
Spencer Watson | Elliot Hopkins |
Beth Bowersox | Beth Bowersox |
Nathan Gariety | Toby |
Olivia Darling Busby | Ava |
Mac Ericsson | Alex |
Alexander Shimoyama | Benjamin |
Jet James Grant | Brandon |
Autumn Molina | Chloe |
Marian Jones | Ella |
Emmery Davis | Gabriella |
Elizabeth Sophia Hsu | Grace |
Audrey Pazienza | Isabelle |
James Anderson Ford | Jacob |
Andrew McMaster | Jack |
William Troy Ford | Jamie |
Kaius Eteeyan | Kai |
Bennett Gariety | Logan |
Mia Wagenman | Maddie |
Sophie Jane Frick | Maya |
Evelyn Thorpe | Rachel |
Scire Amor | Rose |
Leela Rice | Shannon |
Gavin Lee Galbraith | Tommy |
Daelynn Rayne | Violet |
Kenneth Hardison | Jarbo Gap Firefighter |
George Quintana | Jarbo Gap Firefighter |
Porfirio Chavarria | Jarbo Gap Firefighter |
AJ Trujillo | Jarbo Gap Firefighter |
Diego Montoya | Jarbo Gap Firefighter |
Sean Norman | Sean Norman |
Jason Dyer | Jason Dyer |
David Broshious | David Broshious |
Matt Bergstrand | Matt Bergstrand |
William Lopez | William Lopez |
Jason Finney | Jason Finney |
Freddy Martinez | Freddy Martinez |
Ken Lowe | Ken Lowe |
Gary Kraus | Sheriff Thomas |
Devon Wycoff | Brandie Rendon |
Peter Diseth | PG&E Rep |
Denielle Fisher Johnson | Principal Hayes |
Kristy Nelson | Teacher Kristy |
Brian Hill | Teacher Brian |
Mo Beatty | C. Kierman |
Cesario Flores | Bus Office Foreman |
Ginger T. Rex | Vet |
Hannah Mosqueda | Concow Resident |
Christopher Hagen | Concow Resident |
Stephanie M. Jones | Town Hall Official |
Justin Mann | Truck Driver |
Merritt C. Glover | Drug Store Assistant |
Jermaine Washington | Father |
Sofia Embid | Mother |
Carrie Lazar | Teacher |
Martin Patterson | Maintenance Man |
Eb Lottimer | Roe Road Man |
Henry Frost | Roe Road Man |
Katy Tierney | Roe Road Woman |
Cheyenne Chavez | Drive Thru Clerk |
Brittany van Wyk | Michael’s Mom |
Sigrid Hannah Mabel | Alex’s Mom |
Jace Wensley | Alex |
Briggs Thompson | Echo |
Willie Brown | Sophia’s Uncle |
Ariana Rico | Sophia |
John Emory | Male Driver |
Donald Lindsey | Roadblock Police Officer |
Tanner Tixier | Roadblock Police Officer |
Bianca M. Quintana | ECC Dispatcher |
Sabrina Varela | ECC Dispatcher |
Jeffery Leroy Herrera | ECC Dispatcher |
Savannah Dierra-Nicole Parker | ECC Dispatcher |
Ali Vaisvil | Town Hall Assistant |
Dave E. Hunt Sr. | Town Hall Assistant |
Dave Peña | Town Hall Assistant |
Craig Dirgo | Town Hall Assistant |
Frank Woods | Town Hall Assistant |
Paul Thompson | Town Hall Assistant |
Norma Lee | PG&E Lineman |
Kiyoko Goto | Concow Youth |
Lydia Bohannon | Concow Youth |
Martin Arellano | Police Officer |
John Grabowska | Reporter |
Elizabeth M. Kallman | Reporter |
Sarah Barker | Chico Registration Women |
Robert Wise | Cal Fire Official |
Paul Carlos | Firefighter Comms |
Jason Morris | Firefighter Comms |
Shem Hawkins | Air Attack (voice) |
The Lost Bus Movie Storyline
In the tinderbox landscape of California, fueled by relentless winds and tinder-dry vegetation, a school bus carrying a group of elementary students and their dedicated teacher, Mary Ludwig, becomes trapped as a monstrous wildfire erupts with terrifying speed.
Kevin McKay, a determined and resourceful father haunted by past failures, finds himself thrust into a desperate race against time when he learns his son, Shaun, is aboard the imperiled bus. As the inferno closes in, Mary navigates treacherous roads, battling smoke, falling debris, and her own mounting fear, all while trying to keep her young charges calm and safe.
Fueled by unwavering love and a burning desire for redemption, Kevin embarks on a perilous journey through the firestorm, facing unimaginable obstacles and making impossible choices. Chief Martinez, a seasoned fire chief, grapples with the overwhelming scale of the disaster, deploying his limited resources to save as many lives as possible, while battling the unpredictable nature of the blaze. Ruby Bishop, a tenacious local dispatcher, becomes Kevin’s lifeline, guiding him through the chaotic landscape, battling spotty communication and her own rising panic. As the fire rages, alliances are forged, courage is tested, and the resilience of the human spirit shines brightly against the backdrop of devastation, culminating in a harrowing rescue that will forever bind these individuals together..
The Lost Bus Movie Details
Inspired by true events, “The Lost Bus” plunges viewers into the heart of a raging California wildfire, where a school bus becomes the last hope for a group of stranded students and their dedicated teacher.
The drama unfolds in the parched landscapes of Concow, as the unforgiving flames close in, trapping the yellow school bus carrying children and their teacher, Mary Ludwig. Facing unimaginable odds, Mary must maintain order and hope among her frightened students, while simultaneously navigating the treacherous, smoke-filled roads. America Ferrera portrays Mary, bringing to life a character whose courage is tested beyond its limits. As the fire intensifies, the students’ parents, led by Kevin McKay, played by Matthew McConaughey, embark on a desperate and dangerous search to rescue their children. Kevin, a determined father, defies authorities and plunges headfirst into the inferno, battling not only the fire but also the bureaucratic red tape and the sheer hopelessness of the situation. The film, set against the backdrop of a devastating natural disaster, explores themes of resilience, the power of community, and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they love.
Sheriff Thomas, portrayed by Gary Kraus, struggles to maintain order and coordinate rescue efforts amidst the chaos, representing the systemic challenges in responding to such a catastrophic event. Meanwhile, Chief Martinez, played by Yul Vazquez, oversees the firefighting operations, making tough decisions that weigh the safety of his team against the urgent need to save lives. The film masterfully weaves together the perspectives of parents, first responders, and the children themselves, creating a gripping and emotional narrative that highlights the human spirit’s ability to endure in the face of overwhelming adversity. “The Lost Bus” is a poignant thriller that honors the bravery and sacrifice of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, leaving audiences breathless and deeply moved by this testament to survival..
The Lost Bus Movie Poster Images
No images available.
The Lost Bus Movie Trailers
I Can Get 'Em Scene
America Ferrera Takes the Wheel from Matthew McConaughey Scene
The Lost Bus Movie FAQs
What is the movie The Lost Bus about?
The Lost Bus is a thriller inspired by a true story of survival. It depicts a father’s desperate attempt to rescue a dedicated teacher and her students from a raging wildfire.
Who are the main actors in The Lost Bus?
The main actors include Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera and Yul Vazquez.
What genres does The Lost Bus fall into?
The Lost Bus is classified as a Drama, Mystery and Thriller.
When is The Lost Bus scheduled to be released?
The Lost Bus was released on September 19, 2025.
Where can I watch The Lost Bus?
The movie is available on Apple TV.
Who directed The Lost Bus?
The Lost Bus is directed by Paul Greengrass.
Is The Lost Bus based on a true story?
Yes, The Lost Bus is inspired by a true story of survival.
Who wrote the screenplay for The Lost Bus?
The screenplay was written by Brad Ingelsby and Paul Greengrass.
Which production companies were involved in making The Lost Bus?
Blumhouse Productions, Comet Pictures and Apple Studios produced the movie.
What is the runtime of The Lost Bus?
The runtime of The Lost Bus is 130 minutes.