Matthew McConaughey’s break from acting is over, as he returns to the big screen in a major role for the first time since 2019 in the survival drama “The Lost Bus.”
“The Lost Bus,” which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, will be available for all Apple TV+ subscribers to watch beginning Friday (Oct. 3).
“The Lost Bus” follows real-life hero Kevin McKay (McConaughey), a bus driver who rescued 22 students from Ponderosa Elementary on Nov. 8, 2018. Mary Ludwig, a real second-grade teacher who assisted in the rescue, is portrayed in the movie by America Ferrera.
The movie is also a family affair for McConaughey; his son Levi plays his on-screen son, and his mother Kay plays his on-screen mother.
‘The Lost Bus’ release date
“The Lost Bus” begins streaming Friday, Oct. 3, on Apple TV+.
Apple TV+ does tend to drop new movies and shows earlier, though, so while Oct. 3 is the official release date, you may be able to watch “The lost Bus” as early as 9 p.m. ET tonight, Oct. 2.
How to watch ‘The Lost Bus’ for free
“The Lost Bus” is being released exclusively on Apple TV+, so you’ll need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch the new movie.
Apple TV+ has just one ad-free plan, which costs $12.99/month, but new subscribers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial. If you choose to subscribe via Prime Video, you can also try the service for free before payment begins.
‘The Lost Bus’ cast guide
Matthew McConaughey as Kevin McKay, the bus driver
America Ferrera as Mary Ludwig, the school teacher
Yul Vazquez as Ray Martinez, Cal Fire battalion chief
Ashlie Atkinson as Ruby, the bus depot dispatcher
Levi McConaughey (Matthew’s son) as Shaun McKay, Kevin’s son
Kay McCabe McConaughey (Matthew’s mother) as Sherry McKay, Kevin’s disabled mother
Kate Wharton as Jen Kissoon, Cal Fire battalion chief
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and New York Post’s streaming property, Decider. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
