Matthew McConaughey turned his latest premiere into a family affair. The Oscar winner, 55, was joined on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5 by his wife Camila, 41, and their 17-year-old son Levi, who makes his feature film debut in “The Lost Bus.”
McConaughey’s Family Affair
(Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)Adding to the special night, McConaughey’s 93-year-old mother, Kay, was also there, and she appears in the film alongside her son and grandson. See more photos here.
(Photo by COLE BURSTON/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by COLE BURSTON/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
(Photo by Olivia Wong/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
(Photo by Olivia Wong/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)Levi Earned His Role Without McConaughey’s Name
GettyDuring a Q&A after the screening, McConaughey explained how Levi came to be cast. As per People, he revealed that when he shared the script at home, Levi asked, “Think I could read for it?”
(Photo by COLE BURSTON/AFP via Getty Images)McConaughey said Levi kept returning to ask again. “He came back four more times and I said, ‘Okay, now he’s working for it.’”
The actor helped Levi tape an audition scene and sent it to casting director Francine Maisler. “I said, ‘I think it might be good enough for a callback.’ She wrote back, ‘I think it might be good enough to show to Paul,’” McConaughey recalled.
(Photo by Olivia Wong/Getty Images)He also asked Maisler to remove the family name. “Will you pull the last name off so it’s just, there’s no McConaughey on the end of that?” he said. Director Paul Greengrass later chose Levi for the role.
Inside the Story of “The Lost Bus”
“The Lost Bus” tells the true story of the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California. McConaughey stars as a school bus driver who teams up with a teacher, played by America Ferrera, to save 22 children from the flames.
The cast also includes Yul Vazquez, Ashlie Atkinson, and Spencer Watson. Jamie Lee Curtis produced the film.
A Family Affair on Screen & Off
For McConaughey, the project holds deep meaning. Not only does he take on the lead role, but he also shares the screen with his son and his mother, making it a true family milestone. “My family’s in this film because of Paul,” he said, crediting Greengrass.
The director praised McConaughey’s ability to capture working-class communities. “What I like about Matthew particularly is he’s a leading man, a movie star and a character actor all in one,” Greengrass told Vanity Fair.
“The Lost Bus” opens in select theaters Sept. 19 and begins streaming on Apple TV+ October 3.
