First Images from ‘Masters of the Air’

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Austin Butler in ‘Masters of the Air,’ premiering January 26, 2024 on Apple TV+.

They might be more known for their movies, but Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks have made a huge impact on smaller screens too, with their World War II dramas ‘Band of Brothers’ (in 2001) and ‘The Pacific’ (in 2010).

Featuring lavish production values and deeply affecting stories, the two dramas followed troops and Marines in the fields of Europe and the Pacific Theatre during the conflict, launching many a young star in the process.

Now they’re back with new series ‘Masters of the Air’, but this time, the show comes from Apple TV+ instead of their previous home at HBO.

Starring Austin Butler (whom Hanks personally selected after starring with him in ‘Elvis’), it’ll hitch a ride with the brave airmen and others who went on bombing runs during the war.

What’s the story of ‘Masters of the Air’?

Austin Butler and Callum Turner in ‘Masters of the Air,’ premiering January 26, 2024 on Apple TV+.

Based on Donald L. Miller’s book of the same name, and scripted by John Orloff, ‘Masters of the Air’ follows the men of the 100th Bomb Group (the “Bloody Hundredth”) as they conduct perilous bombing raids over Nazi Germany and grapple with the frigid conditions, lack of oxygen and sheer terror of combat conducted at 25,000 feet in the air.

Portraying the psychological and emotional price paid by these young men as they helped destroy the horror of Hitler’s Third Reich, is at the heart of the series.

Some were shot down and captured; some were wounded or killed. And some were lucky enough to make it home. Regardless of individual fate, a toll was exacted on them all.

Who else stars in ‘Masters of the Air’?

Barry Keoghan in ‘Masters of the Air,’ premiering January 26, 2024 on Apple TV+.

The ensemble for the new WWII drama also includes Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, Nate Mann, Rafferty Law, Barry Keoghan, Josiah Cross, Branden Cook and Ncuti Gatwa.

A producer talks ‘Masters of the Air’

Rafferty Law in ‘Masters of the Air,’ premiering January 26, 2024 on Apple TV+.

Executive producer Gary Goetzman, who works closely with Hanks and has produced both the previous series, had this to say about their latest collaboration:

“‘Masters of the Air’ is a salute to the brave men of the 8th Air Force, who, through their courage and brotherhood, helped defeat Nazi Germany in World War II. Tom and Steven have always wanted to visualize cinematically what our author Don Miller has called, this ‘singular event in the history of warfare.’ We’re thrilled that Apple TV+ has given us the opportunity to combine the efforts of so many talented people, on-screen and behind the camera, to tell this important story.”