Ron Howard And Chris Hemsworth ‘Rush’ THR’s Toronto Issue

By ET Canada, . 4 Sep 2013 1:39 PM

Two-time Academy Award winning director Ron Howard is back with Rush — an epic Formula One racing drama making its North American premiere this Sunday at TIFF. The movie’s stars Daniel Brühl and Chris Hemsworth cover The Hollywood Reporter alongside Ron in the magazine’s timely Toronto issue.

“I don’t think I’ve ever made a movie that surprises audiences as much as this one does,”; says Ron Howard on Rush. The film brings the ultimate motor sports rivalry between legends James Hunt and Niki Lauda back to life with a captivating script written by two-time Academy Award nominee Peter Morgan.

“People who love motor sports are surprised it is as authentic and intense and effective as it is. People who don’t know much about the sport find it sexier and more engaging and emotional than they thought it would be. It’s a marketing challenge for Universal, but I think they are doing a great job,”; Ron added.

The road to making the movie was far from smooth. Ron tells THR that Universal initially passed on his racing drama. The F1 film was definitely a hard sell for the North American market where the motor sport never really caught on. “They were a bit nervous,”; said Eric Fellner, one of the film’s producers. Ron was then forced to look elsewhere for the indie film’s $53-million, a far cry from his typical blockbuster budget.

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Those not interested in the racing storyline can rest assured that the film packs more than enough eye candy to keep ones interest. Aussy hearttrob Chris Hemsworth takes on the role of James Hunt while Daniel Brühl plays the perfectionist and ultimate rival Niki Lauda.

For the full story on the making of Rush, pick up the latest issue of The Hollywood Reporter. The drama opens in theatres nationwide on September 27 but TIFF attendees can catch it a few weeks early on September 8.