Spielberg Tom Hanks WWII drama series Masters of the Air premieres in 2024

Apple TV+ announced that the highly anticipated World War II drama series "Masters of the Air," produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, will premiere on January 26. The series follows the men of the 100th Bomb Group as they conduct dangerous bombing raids over Nazi Germany.

Apple TV+ has announced that the highly anticipated World War II drama series, "Masters of the Air," produced by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman, will premiere in January. The series, based on Donald L. Miller's book of the same name, will consist of nine episodes. The first two episodes will be available on Apple TV+ on January 26, with new episodes releasing on subsequent Fridays until March 15.

The cast of "Masters of the Air" includes Austin Butler, Barry Keoghan, Anthony Boyle, Callum Turner, Nate Mann, Rafferty Law, Josiah Cross, Branden Cook, and Ncuti Gatwa. Fans have been eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the series, and Apple TV+ has released a first look, building up the excitement even further.

The series centers around the 100th Bomb Group, known as the "Bloody Hundredth," as they embark on dangerous bombing raids over Nazi Germany. The men of the 100th Bomb Group face extreme challenges, including freezing conditions, lack of oxygen, and the constant fear of combat at 25,000 feet in the air.

This collaboration between Spielberg and Hanks is not their first venture into war dramas. They previously worked together on the critically acclaimed miniseries "Band of Brothers" in 2001 and its follow-up, "The Pacific," in 2010. Spielberg also directed Hanks in the highly acclaimed film "Saving Private Ryan" in 1998.

Gary Goetzman, one of the producers of "Masters of the Air," expressed his admiration for the brave men of the 8th Air Force, who played a crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany during World War II. The series aims to honor their courage and brotherhood. Spielberg and Hanks have long desired to bring this significant historical event to life on the screen.

Donald L. Miller's book, "Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany," served as the inspiration for the series. Miller extensively researched the subject, drawing from interviews, oral histories, and archives from the United States, Britain, and Germany. The book provides a comprehensive account of life during wartime England and the experiences of airmen in German prison camps.

The story depicted in "Masters of the Air" also includes a vivid portrayal of the hunger marches that captured airmen were forced to endure towards the end of the war. These marches took place through the very lands that had been devastated by the bombs they had dropped.

In other news related to the entertainment industry, Austin Butler, who stars in the upcoming film "Elvis," recently experienced a health scare. He was rushed to the hospital the day after filming due to his body shutting down. This incident has raised concerns among fans, who are eager to see him recover and resume his work on the highly anticipated movie.