Although the film is still without an official title, director Clint Eastwood’s upcoming biopic of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger has added The Dark Knight and Battle: Los Angeles‘ Aaron Eckhart to its cast. The Hollywood Reporter has the news, bringing word that Aaron Eckhart will play Jeff Skiles, first officer and co-pilot to Hanks’ Captain Sully during the 2009 incident famously known as the Miracle on the Hudson.
The film will be based on Sullenberger’s own 2009 autobiography, Highest Duty. Written with Jeffrey Zaslow, the book is described on Sullenberger’s official site as follows:
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.
“I am very glad my story is in the hands of gifted storyteller and filmmaker Clint Eastwood, and veteran producers Allyn Stewart and Frank Marshall,” said Sullenberger of the feature film earlier this year. “The project could not have found a better home than Warner Bros. Pictures. This is truly a dream team.”
Aaron Eckart recently headlined the supernatural actioner I, Frankenstein. He’ll soon reprise his role as the President of the United States in the upcoming Olympus Has Fallen sequel, London Has Fallen.
Eastwood will also produce the film through his Malpaso Productions alongside Frank Marshall of Kennedy/Marshall and Allyn Stewart of Flashlight Films.
