Red Tails, a film that’s been a passion project of George Lucas’ for years, has finally nabbed a release date. The Lucasfilm Ltd production inspired by the heroic exploits of the first all-African-American aerial combat unit will hit theaters on January 20, 2012, under the 20th Century Fox banner.
Anthony Hemingway (Treme, The Wire, Battlestar Galactica) directed the World War II action epic with Rick McCallum and Charles Floyd Johnson producing, and George Lucas executive producing.
“I am humbled and honored to direct the story of the Tuskegee Airmen – heroes who have paved the way so others could have the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” stated Hemingway. “To be selected by George Lucas and Rick to direct this film was more than my wildest dreams come true. It’s been a blessing to work with them, along with the amazingly talented artists at Industrial Light & Magic. I’ve grown a lot on many levels from this experience. As director, I had the fortune to work with a highly skilled crew from the Czech Republic, U.K., and the U.S., along with a remarkably talented group of actors. The resonant beauty, strength and dedication of our heroes is reflected in the powerful ensemble cast.”
“I’ve wanted to do this film for a great many years,” said Lucas. “So it is especially gratifying to see it all come together. It has been a real pleasure to work with Anthony and the extraordinary cast on a project that we all passionately believe in. The Tuskegee Airmen were such superb pilots that it was essential for us to create visual effects that would live up to their heroism and put audiences in the cockpit with them. They were only in their early 20s when they performed these amazing feats. They became the best of the best—the top guns. It is an honor to bring to the screen a story inspired by their heroics.”
The Red Tails cast includes Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire), Oscar nominee Terrence Howard (Crash), Emmy winner Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Nate Parker (The Secret Life of Bees, The Great Debaters), David Oyelowo (The Last King of Scotland, Rise of the Planet of the Apes), and Tristan Wilds (90210).
The cast also includes Grammy Award winner Cliff Smith aka Method Man (The Wire), Kevin Phillips (Pride), Rick Otto (The Wire), Lee Tergesen (Monster), Andre Royo (Heroes), Grammy Award winner Ne-Yo (Stomp the Yard), Elijah Kelley (Hairspray), Marcus T. Paulk (Take the Lead), Leslie Odom Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy), Michael B. Jordan (Friday Night Lights, Chronicle) and Daniela Ruah (NCIS).
Red Tails Synopsis:
1944. As the war in Europe continues to take its toll on Allied forces, the Pentagon brass has no recourse but to consider unorthodox options – including the untried and untested African-American pilots of the experimental Tuskegee training program. Just as the young Tuskegee men are on the brink of being shut down and shipped back home, they are given the ultimate chance to show their courage. Against all the odds, with something to prove and everything to lose, these intrepid young airmen take to the skies to fight for their country – and the fate of the free world.
