Academy Award victor Austin Butler, known for his acclaimed portrayal of Elvis, is set to take on a new role that navigates through the skies of World War II prior to adopting his role in Dune: Part II. This adventure is contained within the upcoming Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air, a production of the esteemed Steven Spielberg. The series, based on the esteemed novel by Donald L. Miller, promises to weave the extraordinary real-life narrative of the American Eight Air Force. The focus lies on the courageous young pilots who risked everything in airborne battles against the German army.
While World War II has been a frequent backdrop for many renowned films, its presence in television hasn’t been as robust. However, a notable exception exists in the form of the Emmy-winning miniseries Band of Brothers. Launched in 2001, this show painted an intimate portrait of the soldiers who played pivotal roles in the war, culminating on V-J Day. Despite its success, a successor of its magnitude has been noticeably absent, although The Pacific, developed by the same team behind Band of Brothers, stands out as another exemplary World War II series. Given that many of the key individuals who were instrumental in bringing Band of Brothers to life are also involved in Masters of the Air, anticipation and expectations are high among genre and history enthusiasts. To bring you up to speed with this World War II pilot series, here’s all the information we’ve gathered about Masters of the Air, from its plot and cast, to its release date.
When Can We Expect Masters of the Air to Premiere?
This ambitious period miniseries reportedly spans nine episodes. While the specifics of the release schedule remain unconfirmed by Apple TV+ as of now, a weekly release is anticipated.
How to Watch Masters of the Air?
Given that Masters of the Air is a product of Apple TV+, a subscription to this platform is necessary to view it. The timing of its release could not be more perfect for the streaming platform, as they’ve recently concluded one of their most popular offerings, Season 3 of Ted Lasso. Despite being a stark contrast from the light-hearted sports comedy, Masters of the Air is expected to be a significant attraction for subscribers waiting for Season 2 of Severance.
Is There an Official Trailer for Masters of the Air?
Apple TV+ has yet to release an official trailer for Masters of the Air. However, viewers got a glimpse of the forthcoming series in Apple TV+’s Winter 2022 & Beyond video, which offers a sneak peek of Austin Butler as Major Gale Cleven, ready to engage in the most significant global conflict in history.
When Was Masters of the Air Filmed?
In April 2021, director Cary Joji Fukunaga announced on Instagram that the filming for Masters of the Air had officially begun. He shared a picture of Austin Butler holding the film slate for the project, codenamed “Whirlwind”, signifying that the first week of production had wrapped up. Thus, the journey to what is being viewed as a spiritual successor of Band of Brothers and The Pacific was officially underway.
Who Are the Cast Members of Masters of the Air?
The dynamic cast of Masters of the Air is led by Austin Butler, who gained considerable recognition after his performance in Baz Luhrmann’s Oscar-nominated biopic, Elvis. His career has been on a steady upward trajectory, with a significant role in the upcoming second part of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series. Butler is also set to appear in director Jeff Nichols’ upcoming The Bikeriders. Alongside him is another Oscar nominee, Barry Keoghan, known for his roles in The Banshees of Inisherin, The Batman, and The Green Knight. Keoghan’s previous involvement with World War II films about piloting in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk adds another layer of intrigue to the show. The series will also feature Callum Turner, a key actor from the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
Other members of the primary cast include David Shields (The Crown), Anthony Boyle (Tetris), Ben Radcliffe (Pandora), Rafferty Law (Twist), Edward Ashley (The Terror), Elliot Warren (The Batman), Nate Mann (Licorice Pizza), and Darragh Cowley (The Essex Serpent).
What Is the Storyline of Masters of the Air?
The official plot for Masters of the Air is as follows:
Under the production leadership of Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman – the producers of Band of Brothers and The Pacific, the series will depict the perilous journey of the airmen from the 100th Bomb Group during World War II, encapsulating the essence of courage, sacrifice, and triumph that shaped their brotherhood.
Who Are the Creators of Masters of the Air?
As highlighted in the synopsis, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman, the power trio behind Band of Brothers, are the executive producers for Masters of the Air. Cary Joji Fukunaga, known for his work on films like Beasts of No Nation and No Time to Die and shows like True Detective and Maniac, is one of the directors on the project. Fukunaga is said to be directing four episodes, with the remaining helmed by Dee Rees (Mudbound), Timothy Van Patten (The Sopranos), and Captain Marvel team Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. The screenplay for Masters of the Air will be written by Timothy Orloff, a scribe from Band of Brothers.
Additional crew members include production designer Chris Seagers (Raise by Wolves), cinematographers Adam Arkapaw (Macbeth), Jac Fitzgerald (Under My Skin), Richard Rutkowski (The Americans), and David Franco (Ray Donovan), and editors Saar Klein (Almost Famous), Mark Sanger (Jurassic World Dominion), Spencer Averick (Selma), Sarah Flack (Lost in Translation), and Billy Rich (Ghost in the Shell).
To conclude, Masters of the Air is set to add a compelling chapter to the portrayal of World War II on television. With a star-studded cast and a highly accomplished production team, the series aims to create a vivid tapestry of courage, loss, and victory, celebrating the unsung heroes of the skies. The expectation is for a narrative that’s as moving and gripping as it is enlightening, offering viewers an immersive dive into a crucial part of history. As the journey to the skies begins, one can only anticipate an unforgettable voyage.
