Clint Eastwood to Direct Biopic of Capt. Sully Sullenberger
Fresh off his take on the life of Chris Kyle in "American Sniper," director Clint Eastwood will tackle another high-profile American.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that Eastwood will follow up his Oscar-nominated film with a biopic centered around Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger. In January 2009, Sullenberger piloted U.S. Airways Flight 1549, which experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff from New York City's LaGuardia Aiport. Sullenberger was able to land the plane safely in the waters of the Hudson River, and his quick thinking -- and avoidance of any injury to plane's 155 passengers -- landed him international fame and the admiration.
Sullenberger parlayed that limelight into a book deal, and in 2010 released "Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters," which he co-authored with the late Jeffrey Zaslow. "Highest Duty" serves as the inspiration for Eastwood's as-yet-untitled biopic, with screenwriter Todd Komarnicki penning the script.
"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. The project could not have found a better home than Warner Bros. Pictures. This is truly a dream team," said Sullenberger in a statement.
"On the heels of [Eastwood's] extraordinary work in 'American Sniper,' it is tremendously exciting to see him explore the life of another captivating true-life hero," added Warner Bros. exec Greg Silverman.
No word yet on when production is expected to begin. Stay tuned.
[via: The Hollywood Reporter]
Photo credit: Getty Images for Sun Valley Film