While we all can’t get enough of the recent resurgence of a good ole’ romantic comedy series, we’ve certainly been missing a binge-watch-worthy blockbuster.
Fortunately, Hollywood giants Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg have partnered with Apple TV+ to bring us one of the most highly-anticipated drama series’ of 2024 – Masters of the Air.
Starring a collection of TikTok’s most beloved young male actors, including Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan, Masters of the Air is at the top of our watchlist for the year.
Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about Masters of the Air.
What is Masters of the Air about?
Based on the real-life story behind Donald L. Miller’s 2007 novel Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany, the series follows the story of the United States Army Air Force’s 100th Bombardment Group amid World War II.
Leading the squadron are esteemed pilots Major Gale Cleven and Major John Egan, played by Austin Butler and Callum Turner. After facing a series of heartbreaking losses in combat, the squadron continues to grapple with the gruesome and tragic reality of war while continuing the Allied Forces’ mission to combat Nazi Germany.
Confronted with the real-world impact of warfare, eleven members of the ‘Bloody Hundreth’ suddenly find themselves stranded behind enemy lines, transforming their nation’s fight into a battle for their own lives.
Produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, Masters of the Air also serves as a companion series to the Hollywood duo’s previous projects Band of Brothers and The Pacific.
Who is the cast of Masters of the Air?
Masters of the Air is packed with some serious young Hollywood star power.
Leading the ensemble cast is Elvis star Austin Butler and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’s Callum Turner as Major Gale Cleven and Major John Egan.
Joining Austin and Callum in the Thorpe Abbots air base is Anthony Boyle as Lieutenant Harry Crosby, Nate Mann as Major Robert ‘Rosie’ Rosenthal, Saltburn’s Barry Keoghan as Lieutenant Curtis Biddick and Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa as 2nd Lieutenant Robert Daniels.
Completing the squad are actors Raff Law, Nate Mann, Branden Cook, and Kai Alexander.
Is Masters of the Air a true story?
Masters of the Air is based on the true story of the 100th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Force.
Throughout the series, the plot line is bookmarked by real-life missions, events, and locations that the squadron experienced throughout World War II.
The character storylines are also based on the true stories of some of the 100th’s most prolific members, with Major Gale Cleven, Major John Egan, Major Robert Rosenthal, and Lieutenant Harry Crosby’s war-time experiences taking centre stage.
While the final episode of the season touches on the real post-war life of the Masters of the Air squadron, Tom Hanks and Steven Speilberg teamed up once more to create a companion documentary to the series.
The Bloody Hundredth is a factual exploration of the stories behind Masters of the Air and features interviews with the real-life airmen whose stories were told in the series – namely Major Rosenthal, who went on to serve as an assistant prosecutor in the Nuremberg trials against the former head of the German Airforce.
Where to watch Masters of the Air
The dramatic world of Masters of the Air will be available to stream on Apple TV+.
The companion documentary to Masters of the Air, The Bloody Hundredth, is also available to stream alongside the series on Apple TV+
Stream Masters of the Air now on Apple TV+ with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.
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