John Travolta’s been around long enough that it almost feels strange to realize there was still a major career first left for him. He’s done the movie-star comeback, the Oscar-nominated performances, the blockbusters, the cult classics, and the Cannes premieres. But now he’s finally adding something new to the list. The legendary actor is officially making his directorial debut, and it’s happening with an Apple-backed project that’s heading to Cannes before landing on streaming later this spring.
Travolta’s first film as a director is called Propeller One-Way Night Coach, and it will world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May before launching globally on Apple TV on May 29. The film is part of Cannes’ Premiere Selection and will screen at the Debussy Theater at the Palais des Festivals, with Travolta expected to attend.
The full main cast includes Clark Shotwell as Jeff, Kelly Eviston-Quinnett as Jeff’s mother, Ella Bleu Travolta, and Olga Hoffmann. The film is produced by Travolta’s JTP Films Inc. and Kids at Play, with John Travolta, Jason Berger, and Amy Laslett producing. The official synopsis reads in full:
“Young airplane enthusiast Jeff (played by newcomer Clark Shotwell) and his mother (Kelly Eviston-Quinnett) set off on a one-way cross country odyssey to Hollywood, which transforms a simple flight into the trip of a lifetime. Between airline meals, charming flight attendants (played by Ella Bleu Travolta and Olga Hoffmann), unexpected stopovers, larger-than-life passengers, and a thrilling glimpse at first class, the journey unfolds in moments both magical and unexpected, charting the course for the boy’s future.”
Can John Travolta Fly Planes?
Yes, he can! Travolta is one of the most famous aviation enthusiasts in the world. The actor has been flying since he was 15 and is certified to fly multiple large aircraft, including Boeing 707s, 737s, and 747s. Indeed, Travolta was even a commercial pilot for the Australian airline Qantas, and has flown thousands of times. It’s a pretty sweet sidequest.
The story also has special meaning for the actor. It’s inspired by the 1997 children’s book of the same name that Travolta wrote for his son, Jett, who tragically died following a long battle with illness.
Propeller One-Way Night Coach will launch globally on Apple TV on May 29.
via Collider