Austin Butler Leads Star-Studded Cast in WWII Epic Masters of the Air
Austin Butler takes to the skies in Apple TV+’s Masters of the Air, which is set in WWII. The historical drama is based on Donald L. Miller’s book.
As stated in the TV series’ official synopsis, it follows the “men of the 100th Bomb Group,” also known as The Bloody Hundredth. Furthermore, this film chronicles the bombing raids over Nazi Germany during World War II, facing unimaginable conditions of the war.
With leads, Steven Spielberg and Toms Hanks, this series explores the psychological and emotional toll of war on men. In addition to Butler, The star-studded cast includes Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, Nate Mann, Rafferty Law, Barry Keoghan, Josiah Cross, Branden Cook, and Ncuti Gatwa.
Masters of the Air was shot from the idyllic hills of southeast England to the “harsh deprivations of a German Prisoner of War Camp.” It tells the story of the journey of the Bloody Hundredth, where many soldiers fought, were captured, wounded, and “some were lucky enough to make it home.”
‘Masters of the Air’ Trailer: Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan Fly High in Steven Spielberg's Miniseries https://t.co/9eXmPsYJCu
— Variety (@Variety) November 9, 2023
The trailer features plane crashes, soldiers in distress, and a man carrying a woman from a ruined building, and amid the chaos, some men laugh and embrace friendship and brotherhood. Smoke and bullets flash in the night sky, watched by Major Gale “Buck” Cleven (Austin Butler)’s regiment.
In the beginning, Major Crosby, portrayed by Anthony Boyle, bolsters the confidence of the soldier. “We came from every corner of the country with a common purpose: to bring the war to Hitler’s doorstep.”
“First time in the sawmill, boys. Let’s rack ‘em up and knock ‘em down,” Butler narrates over a montage of soldiers reloading bullets and aircraft soaring through the sky.
“These daylight missions,” Buck mentions, watching soldiers run to bomb shelters, load weapons, and dodge fire in the skies. “They’re suicide.”
“Then what’s the move?” comments Callum Turner, portraying Major John Egan. Buck responds, “We lead our boys through it.”
Masters of the Air will premiere on January 26 on Apple TV+, with two episodes dropping first, then one new episode weekly.
