The key truth of the Gran Turismo movie: The hero genuinely adores Kenny G.
The key truth of the Gran Turismo movie: The hero genuinely adores Kenny G.
Photo: Oliver Hardt – Gran Turismo/Gran Turismo via Getty Images
Jann Mardenborough: From Gamer to Racer – The Unconventional Journey
A decade ago, Sony Pictures shocked fans of the Gran Turismo franchise by announcing a movie adaptation. But hold on a second, it’s not based on the video game itself. Instead, it tells the real-life story of a player turned professional racer. Cue the virtual-to-reality transition music!
Originally, the plan was to focus on Lucas Ordóñez, the Spanish race car driver who paved his way into professional racing through the GT Academy program. But later on, producers found a new protagonist: British racer Jann Mardenborough, who claimed victory at GT Academy a few years after Ordóñez. Mardenborough then went on to carve out an impressive racing career in the Super GT championship in Japan.
And who better to direct this exciting movie than Neill Blomkamp, the mastermind behind District 9 and founder of Oats Studios? Gran Turismo, advertised as “based on a true story,” takes some cinematic liberties with Mardenborough’s journey from gamer to racer. In a recent interview, Mardenborough spills the beans on his influence on the film, his history with the Gran Turismo games, his love for cars, and whether or not he’s a secret fan of smooth jazz.
Start Your Engines: How it All Began
Inquiring minds want to know, which Gran Turismo game did Mardenborough start with? Buckle up, because this luck-filled story takes us back to when he was only 8 years old. Attending a Bonfire Night party, he stumbled upon the living room, where GT1 on a PlayStation One awaited. A pink or violet Mitsubishi 3000GT on Autumn Ring was his introduction to the game. The obsession began, and he kept going back to his parents’ friends’ house until they finally gave up and gifted him the console and game. And thus, his gaming journey was set in motion, playing every Gran Turismo game from the original to GT7.
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The Love-Hate Relationship with Starter Cars
Ah, the iconic starter cars. Starting with the cheapo models is a bittersweet memory for many Gran Turismo players. And Mardenborough is no exception. He vividly recalls racing with a Toyota Yaris in GT3, but it’s clear he never really had any fondness for these slow rides. Who can blame him? It’s like tantalizing a kid with ice cream but making them eat their vegetables first.
Lights, Camera, Corrado?
In the movie, Archie Madekwe, who plays Mardenborough, is seen driving a vintage VW Corrado. But is there any truth to this connection in real life? Did Mardenborough’s parents own a Corrado? As much as he’d love to share a Corrado connection with his reel parents, it’s all the magic of filmmaking. His parents never owned such a cool car, although they did have a red Peugeot 309 GTI, which is still pretty rad.
Nostalgia on Wheels: The First Car
We all have our first car stories, and Mardenborough is no exception. His first car, a 1991 blue BMW 318is, is still in his possession. It holds a special place in his heart as it was the very car he used to attend GT Academy for the first time. Talk about making memories!
Lights, Camera, Racing Action!
Watching the movie based on his life was a condensed and remixed experience for Mardenborough, with four years of racing packed into a two-hour, ten-minute film. However, he’s thrilled with how they portrayed his journey, from discovering GT Academy to the academy process itself. Finally, people will understand how he got into racing without seeing those perplexed facial expressions he usually receives when explaining it.
Behind the Wheel: Mardenborough’s Script Input
Being the star of the show, Mardenborough had a say in developing the script. He wanted to ensure it truly represented him, the Gran Turismo gaming community, and racing drivers. So, he dove headfirst into scrutinizing the script, spending hours working with the production team to fine-tune the details. From his perspective, it was crucial to capture the essence of his incredible journey and pay homage to the fantastic community surrounding the game.
Stunt Driving and Movie Magic
Mardenborough’s involvement in the movie went beyond being the protagonist. He also had a chance to do some stunt driving, a role usually reserved for professionals. Playing himself and his stunt double in a biopic was an extraordinary experience. Who knows, maybe Tom Cruise will be inspired to do the same in his future biopics. And the best part? All those shots of the halo car? That’s Mardenborough behind the wheel. Talk about a cameo and stunts rolled into one!
The Love Affair with Cars: Past, Present, and Future
Passion for cars runs deep in Mardenborough’s veins. While not every racing driver is a car fanatic, he proudly claims the title of petrolhead. He dreams of owning many cars, especially from the mid-’90s era. Currently, he has three cars, and they aren’t just showpieces. He drives them hard, embracing the thrill and freedom they provide. For him, cars are the ultimate expression of individualism and the epitome of limitless possibilities.
The Kazunori Connection
Throughout the years, Mardenborough has developed a unique relationship with Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of Gran Turismo. Meeting him for the first time in 2012 was a significant event that remains special to this day. The passion Yamauchi exudes for racing and his game is contagious. Mardenborough recognizes the effort and attention to detail Yamauchi pours into every aspect of Gran Turismo, appreciating that his own racing career stemmed from this remarkable creation.
The Sushi-Chef Cameo and a Delicious Question
In a delightful twist, Yamauchi makes a cameo in the movie as a sushi chef. So, naturally, the burning question is, what’s Mardenborough’s go-to sushi order? He reveals his love for unagi-don, a heavenly dish of barbequed eel over rice. But here’s the catch: it has to be cooked in the Western style of Japan, giving it that irresistible smoky flavor. Suzuka Circuit, in Japan, is the place to be for amazing unagi restaurants. Time to book a flight!
The Grooves Before the Races
Lastly, we need the answer to the burning question: does Mardenborough really listen to Kenny G and Enya before big races? You better believe it! Neill Blomkamp, the movie’s director, asked about his pre-race music preference, and Mardenborough was very straightforward about it. “Songbird” by Kenny G is his go-to track. It’s the only music that brings him down a few levels before getting behind the wheel. And let’s not forget the Enya influence from those nostalgic Jeremy Clarkson Motorworld videos. When the world is spinning around him, music is his calm anchor, and Kenny G and Enya are his muses.
With such an incredible journey from gamer to racer, Jann Mardenborough embodies the spirit of Gran Turismo. His story, as depicted in the movie, is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the joy of getting behind the wheel. So brace yourselves for a wild ride that will leave you dreaming of virtual trophies, genuine victories, and your very own blue BMW 318is.
This article was edited for maximum turbocharged excitement and tire-squealing enjoyment.
