Gran Turismo reality series to put representation on the starting line
With Gran Turismo being considered the best racing movie ever put to film, the future looks bright for PlayStation. In fact, they are planning a reality series where they put some of the brightest and most talented drivers against mentally challenged contestants.
During an interview with The BloJo Movie Network, director Ron Howard discussed the anticipated six-part reality series.
“It’s real people, in real cars, with real disabilities, against real drivers, on real racetracks, driving insanely quickly,” said Howard. “What more could you want from a Gran Turismo series? We decided early on to center the series on drivers with intellectual disabilities because authentic representation means the world to us. We also hired a former NASCAR driver who is a recovering alcoholic. Actually, we didn’t hire him; he was court-ordered to assist our special drivers. However, despite his past flaws, we are expecting him to realize that together they can go further and faster than they ever imagined. It’ll make for a great success story for everyone. We might even get nominated for some awards.”
This marks a tonal shift from the plot of Gran Turismo, which told the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a teenage Gran Turismo player who became a professional race car driver. We asked Ron Howard to tell us more about the narrative of his reality series.
“Our show will be titled Gran Turismo: A Race for Disability Awareness,” Howard continued. “We are hopeful that our six-part series will spark a mature discussion about the topic. We want to give people with disabilities the same chance and shot at success that we gave Jann Mardenborough. And we couldn’t do this without the good folks over at PlayStation. With their help, we are putting disabilities on the starting line and giving the green light to the hard conversations. We all get thrown curves in life, off and on the track. That’s why PlayStation is proud to be putting those people with struggles front and center.”
Ron Howard continued to explain his reality series. At this point in the conversation, we tried to get him to stop talking, but he continued anyway…
“Also, there will be no favoritism towards any of our drivers,” said Howard. “Our motto is ‘dreams are meant to be chased,’ so we are putting the most unfortunate and disabled people we can find against some of our best racers. In the six-part series, we will test the limits of our contestants. Inclusion and diversity mean the world to us. May the best driver win!”
What are your thoughts on Gran Turismo: A Race for Disability Awareness? Without question, the reality series will bring some controversy about whether mentally challenged individuals should be allowed to race against experienced drivers. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
In related news, the French are making their own well-intentioned remake of this American reality series titled Gran Tardo: Folie à Dum, and will release it early next year. It looks like this story has captured the hearts and attention of people worldwide. In a world divided, everyone wants to see an underdog win a race.
Scoop by Anne Chovi