Racers, start your engines, because Adam Driver and Penélope Cruz are starring in a new Ferrari biopic, sure to be a cinematic feast of all things fast cars, red hot (pun intended) 1950s fashion and the beauty of Northern Italy. Simply titled Ferrari, the film is directed by Michael Mann and has been a long time passion project for director, with the idea and smaller-scale details a work in progress across the last 20 years.

Mann will direct Ferrari off a script written in a joint effort with Troy Kennedy Martin, based off of Brock Yates’ book Enzo Ferrari – The Man and the Machine. Moto Productions is producing the film alongside PJ van Sandwijk and John Lesher. Niels Juul is executive producing.

Oscar-nominated Cruz is cast in the role of Laura Ferrari, the wife of Enzo Ferrari – portrayed by Driver – with whom she founded their eponymous luxury car brand. Shailene Woodley, of Big Little Lies fame, will also feature in the film, cast as Enzo’s mistress Lina Lardi.

What is Ferrari about?

Ferrari is set in the summer of 1957 and follows a turbulent period in the couple’s lives, with their marriage in crisis due to the death of their only son Dino and facing bankruptcy over their empire. At this crucial period in their lives, Enzo and a team of drivers decide to enter the historic Mille Miglia race, taking them 1,000 miles across Italy.

It’s not either of the duo’s first foray into portraying legendary figures of Italy, with Cruz having transformed into Donatella Versace for the Assassination of Gianni Versace and of course Driver’s recent cinematic turn as Maurizio Gucci in House of Gucci.

When will the film be released?

Ferrari is slated to premiere this week at the Venice Film Festival and at the New York Film Festival later this month. The film is set to have a theatre release beginning on Christmas Day.

Watch the trailer

Check out the first official teaser trailer for the film, below.

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