With his American Sniper having brought in more than $543 million at the worldwide box office, four-time Academy Award winner Clint Eastwood (who just turned 85 this past Sunday) has signed on to direct another biopic for Warner Bros. Pictures. This time, Eastwood will tackle the story of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberg, the American hero who, in 2009, successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River in what has famously become known as the Miracle on the Hudson.
The film, which is at the moment without a title, will be based on Sullenberger’s 2009 autobiography, Highest Duty. Written with Jeffrey Zaslow, the book is described on Sullenberger’s official site as follows:
On January 15, 2009, the world witnessed a remarkable emergency landing when Captain “Sully” Sullenberger skillfully glided US Airways Flight 1549 onto the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 aboard. His cool actions not only averted tragedy but made him a hero and an inspiration worldwide.
Highest Duty is Sully’s story—a story of dedication, hope, and preparedness, revealing the important lessons he learned through childhood, in his military service, and in his work as a commercial airline pilot. It reminds us all that, even in these days of war, tragedy, and economic uncertainty, there are values still worth fighting for—that life’s challenges can be met if we’re ready for them.
“I am very glad my story is in the hands of gifted storyteller and filmmaker Clint Eastwood, and veteran producers Allyn Stewart and Frank Marshall,” says Sullenberger of the feature film. “The project could not have found a better home than Warner Bros. Pictures. This is truly a dream team.”
“Simply put, Clint Eastwood is at the top of his game, not to mention a global treasure,” adds Greg Silverman, Warner Bros. Pictures’ president of creative development and worldwide production. “On the heels of his extraordinary work in ‘American Sniper,’ it is tremendously exciting to see him explore the life of another captivating true-life hero. It is also great to be collaborating with Frank Marshall and Allyn Stewart to produce this compelling script by Todd Komarnicki.”
Eastwood will also produce the film through his Malpaso Productions alongside Frank Marshall of Kennedy/Marshall and Allyn Stewart of Flashlight Films.
(Photo Credit: Apega / WENN.com)
