Exploring the Depths of “Lost Bus”

After her experience working on Lost Bus, Ashley Atkinson recognizes the significance of a daring director and a poignant human narrative.

Directed by Paul Greengrass, this new thriller made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival last month and began streaming on Apple TV+ this Friday. It’s grounded in the real-life events of a 2018 campfire that ravaged Paradise, California.

The film focuses on the bravery shown by first responders, particularly highlighting the incredible story of bus driver Kevin McKay, portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, and school teacher Mary Ludwig, played by America Ferrera.

Journalist Lisie Johnson, who served as an executive producer for the film, had previously detailed the disaster in her 2021 book Paradise: The Struggles of a Town to Survive American Wildfires.

Fans might recognize Atkinson as Mommy Fish from HBO’s The Golden Age. In Lost Bus, she portrays Ruby Hartwig, a real-life bus dispatcher, and reflected on what initially attracted her to this “terrifying story.”

“The first thing that pulled me in was the realization that life can throw us unexpected challenges. It reminded me of how we often think we need everything in our lives to be perfect before we can step up and help others,” she shared. “And of course, working with Paul Greengrass was a huge draw because I’ve wanted to collaborate with him for years.”

During a recent conversation at Decider Studio, Atkinson shared her excitement about working with Greengrass and reflected on her memorable experiences in both The Golden Age Season 4 and her guest appearance in And Just Like That, especially after being cut from the Sex and the City movie.

Decider: I’m so excited to chat about Lost Bus, especially since it’s based on a true story. Were you aware of the events surrounding Kevin McKay and Mary Ludwig before joining the cast?

Ashley Atkinson: I was aware of the fires in 2018, but I didn’t know Kevin, Mary, Ruby, and Captain Martinez’s story until I read Lizzie Johnson’s book. While the story of the bus was featured, it was stretched into a long article format. I remembered the tragic impact of the fire but didn’t know the deeply human side of it until I got involved.

How did the fact that this film is based on a real event affect your approach?

I felt a degree of pressure, yes. Paul Greengrass made it clear that my portrayal of Ruby Hartwig shouldn’t be an imitation but rather a reimagining. He encouraged creativity while telling the story. Initially, both Matthew and I felt the weight of representing such genuine people. The real-life Kevin is very nice, and so is Ruby. Paul even joked that if good people only do good things, there’s no movie there. But we couldn’t ignore the real tragedy, the lives lost, and the heroism displayed that day.

What was your experience meeting Kevin and Ruby?

I actually didn’t meet them until their film premiere at the Toronto Film Festival just a few weeks ago. It was a bit nerve-wracking knowing I couldn’t change anything. But they were really generous and kind in sharing their stories. Ruby specifically mentioned how watching the film was a part of her healing process from the trauma. It felt really good to see her reaction.

What initially attracted you to the role of Ruby?

Well, the story itself is pretty intense. But I think what really caught my interest was how life can surprise us. We often feel we need everything in order before we can act heroically. But in reality, sometimes you just have to respond to a situation as it unfolds. Here were these people—right in the middle of their lives—faced with a horrific situation, and they stepped up. They saved many lives.

How was your collaboration with Paul Greengrass while developing Ruby’s character?

It was such a unique process. We filmed in Northern California, and they created a controlled fire scene, which made for some intense shooting. Paul really pushed the envelope. He had me diving into various scenes at once during rehearsals—something I wasn’t used to. It was refreshing, like we were performing a play, allowing us to fully inhabit the bus depot setting. The cast included some actual bus drivers alongside our main actors, which helped to create authenticity. I connected with them, hearing their dedication to the kids they drive every day. It was cool.

What about the dynamic with Matthew McConaughey’s family on set?

Oh, I wasn’t present for those moments [laughs]. I was in a different part of the filming and missed out on that dynamic. I did hear lovely stories about them, though. It’s fascinating how we crossed paths with almost everyone except for them during our shots. But I got to know Matthew and the parents of the bus child, which was pretty amazing.

You can’t leave me without asking about The Golden Age. The fourth season just premiered, right?

Yes! It’s so exciting!

Can we expect more of Mrs. Fish in this season?

I genuinely hope so. I heard they might start filming again early next year. I think there’s a lot more to explore. The historical figure has such a long life; it opens up many storylines.

It sounds like there’s plenty of material to cover.

Absolutely! There’s a treasure trove of stories waiting to be explored. It’s thrilling to think about bringing them to life.

You also guest-starred in And Just Like That.

Yes! That was such a wonderful experience.

What was it like to join that show, especially since it recently wrapped its third season?

Oh, it was a lovely experience, albeit one I had to wait for. I was cut from the original Sex and the City movie after four days of shooting. I remember receiving a voicemail that I didn’t make the final cut. But Michael Patrick King assured me that we would work together again, and eventually, that led to this role. Working with Sarah Jessica Parker was such a highlight; she’s incredible. I even directed an episode my friend Cynthia Nixon was working on. It feels like a circle back in a way.

Lost Bus is now streaming on Apple TV+.