Key Takeaways:
– Tom Hanks took on a challenge from Clint Eastwood in portraying real-life hero Chesley Sullenberger in the acclaimed biographical drama ‘Sully.’
– Hanks initially struggled with Eastwood’s directing style but managed to deliver a memorable performance.
– Kiefer Sutherland admired Eastwood so much that he sent a personal letter to secure a role in Eastwood’s upcoming film, ‘Juror No.2.’
A Unique Challenge in ‘Sully’
Clint Eastwood, the remarkable director, and well-known actor has significantly contributed to the film industry with several memorable projects to his credit. One of these projects includes the 2016 biographical drama, ‘Sully,’ featuring Tom Hanks in the lead role. Despite initial friction during its production, Hanks managed to impress Eastwood with his unique approach to the ‘good guy’ roles.
Hanks is often associated with portraying noble characters who triumph over extraordinary circumstances. In ‘Sully,’ he stepped into the shoes of real-life pilot Chesley Sullenberger, a man hailed as a hero for making a daring water landing on the Hudson River in 2009. Aware of the familiar territory his character presented, Hanks revealed in an interview with The New York Times that Eastwood’s acknowledgment of his typical ‘good guy’ roles pushed him to explore new ways of bringing this character to life.
Eastwood’s Directing Style
Eastwood’s unique directing style initially posed a challenge for Hanks. According to Hanks, Eastwood treated actors like horses, using a quiet, soft voice to call the shots, which was, in Hanks’ words, ‘intimidating as hell.’ However, the actor-director duo eventually found mutual comfort and delivered a film that was well-received by both critics and fans.
The film saw considerable commercial success, earning $243 million against a $60 million budget. Even Sullenberger, the man Hanks portrayed, offered high praise for his performance in the film.
Kiefer Sutherland’s Admiration for Eastwood
Continuing to make films at 94, Eastwood’s next project is a courtroom drama titled ‘Juror No.2.’ Among the ensemble cast is Kiefer Sutherland, a self-professed admirer of Eastwood. According to Sutherland, he sent a personal letter to Eastwood expressing his admiration for the director’s work and his desire to be cast in his final film.
In his letter, Sutherland expressed particular admiration for Eastwood’s film ‘Play Misty For Me.’ His fan letter did the trick – Sutherland was cast in Eastwood’s latest undertaking. Given Eastwood’s vast body of work and the numerous accolades he’s received throughout his career, it is no wonder actors aspire to share the screen with him.
‘Juror No.2’ is slated for release in the fall of 2024. The film’s star-studded cast also includes Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Zoey Deutch, Leslie Bibb, Chris Messina, J. K. Simmons, and Gabriel Basso.
Fans wishing to rewatch ‘Sully’ can find it on Apple TV+. Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks’ unique collaboration stands as a testament to their dedication to delivering powerful performances, all while pushing personal boundaries.
