Rush does a great job of breathing life back into a bit of racing history that definitely deserves a bit of renewed attention, even if it is just for the sake of entertaining a fresh audience. The story of the racing rivalry between the blunt and disciplined Niki Lauda and rebellious playboy James Hunt—culminating in the 1976 Formula 1 season—is one we feel lucky to get to experience on the big screen.
James Hunt was born in England in 1947, and as an adolescent rebelled against his strict family. After seeing his first race on his 18th birthday, James decided to go into auto racing, despite the disapproval of his parents. He was as wild on the track as he was in his personal life, and once he learned to keep his car on the track, he proved to be a talented driver.
Niki Lauda, born in Vienna, Austria in 1949, started racing cars despite his family’s disapproval. He Joined Formula 2 in 1971 driving for March, and soon found himself driving for March’s Formula 1 team. Lauda joined BRM’s F1 team in 1973, and was eventually signed to Ferrari in 1974. He won his first Formula 1 championship with Ferrari in 1975.
Ron Howard’s upcoming Formula 1 film, Rush, chronicles the racing era and rivalry of James Hunt and Niki Lauda in the 1970s. We’ve already seen one harrowing trailer for the movie, and another has just been released.
RUSH translates the story of the 1976 season to the big screen, starting Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Red Dawn, Snow White And The Huntsman) as Briton James Hunt, while Daniel Brühl (Inglorious Basterds, The Bourne Ultimatum) plays Niki Lauda. RUSH will also star Olivia Wilde, as Hunt’s wife Suzy.