A cinematic fight for survival is brewing as Ben Stiller, Jeremy Allen White, and A24 are reportedly in negotiations for the World War II film, ‘Airman’. Based on the true story of an American turret-gunner’s harrowing experiences in Nazi-occupied France, the project marks a potential return to feature film directing for Ben Stiller and a foray into the war genre for Jeremy Allen White. The film is adapted from Seth Meyerowitz’s 2016 nonfiction book, “The Lost Airman: A True Story of Escape From Nazi-Occupied France,” promising a gripping tale of courage and resilience.
‘Airman’: A World War II Thriller Takes Flight
‘Airman’ promises to be a tense survival thriller centered around the true story of Arthur Meyerowitz, an American B-24 bomber turret-gunner. According to reports from Collider, in 1943, Meyerowitz’s plane was shot down over Vichy France, thrusting him into a desperate fight for survival in enemy territory. The narrative will follow his six months in hiding, aided by Marcel Talliander, the founder of the French resistance group Reseau Morhange, and Talliander’s efforts to shield Meyerowitz from the Gestapo, culminating in a daring escape to Spain.
The Creative Team
Ben Stiller is reportedly in talks to direct and produce ‘Airman’ through his production company, Red Hour Films. This project signifies Stiller’s return to feature film directing after focusing on acclaimed television projects such as Apple TV+’s ‘Severance’ and Showtime’s ‘Escape at Dannemora’. Jeremy Allen White, fresh off his success in ‘The Bear’, is being considered for the role of Arthur Meyerowitz. A24 is currently in negotiations to acquire the project, potentially signaling a shift towards backing more conventional prestige pictures, as noted by World of Reel. The screenplay is penned by Ben Shattuck, adapting Seth Meyerowitz’s book. Jake Gyllenhaal (through Nine Stories), John Lesher (Le Grisbi Productions), and P.J. van Sandwijk (Storyteller Productions) are also on board as producers.
A Story of Courage and Resistance
At its core, ‘Airman’ is a story of courage, resilience, and the power of human connection in the face of unimaginable adversity. Arthur Meyerowitz’s experience, as detailed in “The Lost Airman,” highlights the bravery of those who fought against Nazi oppression and the risks taken by the French resistance to protect Allied soldiers. The film will likely explore themes of survival, camaraderie, and the moral complexities of war, reminiscent of classics like ‘The Great Escape’ or ‘Unbroken’.
The Historical Context
The film’s setting in Vichy France is crucial to understanding the challenges faced by Meyerowitz. Vichy France was the collaborationist government that ruled the southern part of France during World War II, while the northern part was under direct German occupation. This meant that Meyerowitz was not only evading German forces but also facing potential betrayal from French collaborators. The Reseau Morhange, the French resistance group that aided Meyerowitz, played a vital role in helping Allied soldiers escape, risking their lives to defy the Nazi regime. Breaking News reports that these resistance networks were instrumental in undermining German operations and providing crucial intelligence to the Allies.
Production Timeline and Impact
News of Stiller, White, and A24’s involvement surfaced around early September 2025. Production on ‘Airman’ is anticipated to commence in early 2027, with a potential awards season run later that year, according to mxdwn Movies. This timeline suggests a meticulous approach to pre-production, ensuring the film’s historical accuracy and artistic quality. Ben Stiller’s commitment to ‘Airman’ means he will not be directing any episodes for the upcoming third season of ‘Severance’. This decision underscores the importance of ‘Airman’ to Stiller, positioning it as a significant project in his career. The project is already generating considerable anticipation within Hollywood, positioned as a potential “next great World War II thriller” and a “comeback moment” for Stiller in the feature film landscape, according to JoBlo.
Why This Project Matters
The appeal of ‘Airman’ lies in its compelling true story, blending elements of espionage, survival, and resistance heroics. For Ben Stiller, ‘Airman’ represents a significant return to feature film directing, allowing him to showcase his talent for dramatic storytelling. For Jeremy Allen White, it offers an opportunity to further diversify his acting portfolio by stepping into the war genre, building on his recent success in ‘The Bear’ and other upcoming roles. For A24, acquiring the project aligns with a reported strategic shift towards backing more conventional prestige pictures, indicating a desire to broaden their audience appeal and compete for major awards.
Stiller’s Directorial Vision
Ben Stiller’s return to feature film directing is a significant aspect of this project. While he has directed comedies like ‘Zoolander’ and ‘Tropic Thunder’, he has also demonstrated his ability to handle more serious subject matter in films like ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’. ‘Airman’ offers Stiller the opportunity to combine his comedic sensibilities with his dramatic skills, creating a film that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. His experience directing television series like ‘Severance’ and ‘Escape at Dannemora’ has further honed his skills as a storyteller, preparing him for the challenges of directing a large-scale World War II film.
Casting Considerations and White’s Ascent
The potential casting of Jeremy Allen White as Arthur Meyerowitz is another key element of ‘Airman’s’ appeal. White has garnered critical acclaim for his role in ‘The Bear’, showcasing his ability to portray complex and emotionally vulnerable characters. His casting in ‘Airman’ would allow him to further expand his range and demonstrate his versatility as an actor. White’s star has been steadily rising in recent years, and his involvement in ‘Airman’ would solidify his position as one of Hollywood’s leading men. The Playlist notes that White’s dedication to his craft and his ability to immerse himself in his roles make him an ideal choice for the part of Arthur Meyerowitz.
In conclusion, ‘Airman’ holds immense potential as a gripping and impactful World War II thriller. With Ben Stiller at the helm, Jeremy Allen White potentially in the lead role, and A24 backing the project, the film has all the ingredients for success. The true story of Arthur Meyerowitz’s survival and the bravery of the French resistance is a testament to the human spirit, and ‘Airman’ promises to bring this story to life on the big screen in a powerful and unforgettable way. The film will be a welcomed addition to the World War II genre.
