It has become known as the "Miracle on the Hudson". The true story of how airline pilot Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger successfully saved the lives of everyone on board his plane was front page news back in 2009. It launched Sullenberger to fame and resulted in his memoir which has been awaiting a big screen adaptation for years. Now, AMERICAN SNIPER director Clint Eastwood is ready to make it happen.
Eastwood is coming off the incredible box office performance of AMERICAN SNIPER and has been in talks to direct another true story, that of Atlanta Olympics security guard Richard Jewell, but that deal has apparently fallen apart. While Jonah Hill is still set to appear in that film, the Sullenberger project is moving forward with the pilot himself giving Eastwood the seal of approval.
“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."
The screenplay for the film is being written by Todd Komarnicki. Eastwood will produce the film and will likely go intro production this year. Eastwood was also mulling a remake of A STAR IS BORN but that has also apparently fallen apart. The 85-year-old took a brief break after directing JERSEY BOYS and AMERICAN SNIPER back to back. Despite not being blown away by his directing chops of late, there are worse projects Eastwood could have chosen to go with. I am not holding my breath with excitement to see this movie but it also will depend on who he casts in the lead role.