The Lost Bus
- Oct 10, 2025, Worldwide
The dramatic thriller The Lost Bus will soon arrive on Apple TV+, telling the story of one of the deadliest fires in California’s history, the 2018 Camp Fire.
The upcoming flick is based on Lizzie Johnson’s 2021 book Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire.
Two award-winning actors will star in the film and are likely to deliver critically acclaimed performances. As a result, it may receive multiple award nominations, which could include Best Picture at the 2026 Oscars.
Continue reading to learn more about The Lost Bus, including its release date, plot, cast, director, award season potential, and more.
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What is the Release Date for The Lost Bus?
Apple TV+ hasn’t announced an official release date for The Lost Bus. However, it is expected to be released during the fall award season, which will increase the film’s chances of Oscar consideration. However, it will need a theatrical release to qualify for its various awards categories, such as Best Picture.
What is the Film’s Plot?
The Lost Bus follows a bus driver who has the challenging task of driving a bus carrying children and teachers to safety during the 2018 Camp Fire, which is regarded as California’s deadliest fire.
Who Stars in The Lost Bus?
Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club) takes on the lead role of the bus driver Kevin McCay, and Oscar nominee America Ferrera (Barbie) plays the school teacher Mary Ludwig.
Yul Vazquez (American Gangster) is Ray Martinez, Spencer Watson plays Hopkins, Ashlie Atkinson (The Gilded Age) appears as Ruby, and Danny McCarthy (Prison Break) is McKenzie.
Who Directed It?
Paul Greengrass directed The Lost Bus. The English filmmaker is best known for directing three films in the Bourne series: The Bourne Supremacy (2004), The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), and Jason Bourne (2016). Also, he directed Green Zone (2010) and Captain Phillips (2013).
Who Wrote the Screenplay?
Paul Greengrass co-wrote The Lost Bus screenplay with Brad Ingelsby, who is best known for writing Out of the Furnace (2013), The Way Back (2020), and the hit HBO series Mare of Easttown.
Will The Lost Bus Perform Well During Award Season?
It is difficult to predict if a film will perform well during award season until its release date. However, The Lost Bus’s acclaimed director and critically acclaimed cast could lead to the movie picking up various award nominations.
Matthew McConaughey has already proved he is popular at the Academy Awards, winning Best Actor for the Dallas Buyers Club in 2014. Plus, America Ferrera received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Barbie in 2024.
For the film to be considered for a prestigious award, such as Best Picture at the 2026 Oscars, it will need a theatrical release before arriving on AppleTV+. Also, a fall release would place the film in a stronger position for Academy Award consideration.
Therefore, The Lost Bus’s award potential will likely be shaped by the streaming service’s chosen release date, but it is expected to arrive in movie theaters and on the platform this fall. Don’t miss it!
Can I Watch an Official Trailer for The Lost Bus?
Apple TV+ hasn’t released an official trailer for The Lost Bus. It is likely to drop closer to the film’s release date.
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