Having earned more than $450M and six Oscar nominations for American Sniper, Clint Eastwood is moving ahead with another biopic on a man who risked all to save lives. Eastwood is set to direct a film based on Captain Chesley Burnett "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who in 2009 became a national hero for the "Miracle on the Hudson", a successful landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after the plane became disabled.
The untitled film will be based on Sullenberger's book, "Highest Duty: My Search For What Really Matters", which he co-wrote with Jeffrey Zaslow. Todd Komarnicki's screenplay will focus on more than that one unforgettable flight, but will also look at his childhood, piloting career, and presumably his post-retirement campaign to secure better better working conditions and pensions for pilots. Here's the book synopsis: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.
Even at the age of 85 Eastwood is still one of the fastest directors around, so don't be surprised if we see this project develop rapidly. [TheWrap]
