Jeremy Allen White, famed for his Emmy-winning role in “The Bear,” is in talks to star in a World War II survival thriller titled “Airman,” directed and produced by Ben Stiller. The film is an adaptation of Seth Meyerowitz's 2016 nonfiction book The Lost Airman: A True Story of Escape from Nazi-Occupied France, which chronicles the true story of Arthur Meyerowitz, an American B-24 turret-gunner who was shot down over Vichy France in 1943 and evaded Nazi capture with the help of the French resistance. The screenplay is written by Ben Shattuck, and the package is being courted by A24, with Jake Gyllenhaal involved as a producer through his Nine Stories banner. Production is expected to begin in early 2027.
Stiller's involvement marks a return to feature filmmaking after focusing on prestige TV, notably directing many episodes of Apple TV+'s Severance. White, already a two-time Primetime Emmy winner for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for The Bear (2023, 2024) and nominated again this year, brings high-caliber acting talent to the project. The story itself offers a taut, layered survival thriller narrative blending espionage and resistance heroics, reminiscent of classics like The Great Escape or Unbroken.
The collaboration assembles a cadre of respected creatives and actors backed by A24—a company known for championing critically acclaimed and auteur-driven films—adding high anticipation for the project's potential impact on the WWII film genre. Notably, the film's production banner includes Red Hour Films (Stiller) and Nine Stories (Gyllenhaal), signaling strong industry support and intricate development history, as Gyllenhaal previously eyed the lead role and even considered directing the adaptation years prior.
For cinephiles familiar with Stiller's directorial range—from Reality Bites to Tropic Thunder—Airman promises a dramatic tonal shift, diving into a serious, tense historical survival story with emotional depth. White's recent acclaim suggests a lead performance that will anchor the film's gravitas.
Filming is tentatively slated for early 2027, though no release date is confirmed yet. Given A24's involvement and the pedigree of its leads and director, Airman will likely target major film festivals upon release, setting the stage for critical discussion within the festival circuits where both Stiller and White's films have garnered attention.
Key Facts:
- Title: Airman
- Based on: The Lost Airman: A True Story of Escape from Nazi-Occupied France by Seth Meyerowitz (2016)
- Stars: Jeremy Allen White (in talks)
- Director/Producer: Ben Stiller (in talks)
- Producer: Jake Gyllenhaal (Nine Stories Productions)
- Production Company: A24, Red Hour Films, Nine Stories Productions
- Project status: Talks ongoing, production expected early 2027
- Story: WWII survival tale of Arthur Meyerowitz, an American turret-gunner evading Nazis in France
- Screenplay: Ben Shattuck
- No confirmed release or festival dates yet
Why This Matters
This partnership shines a spotlight on a lesser-known true story in WWII history, filtered through the lens of some of today's most respected film talents. Stiller's move back to directing feature films after a decade—focusing on such a nuanced survival drama—signals a major creative pivot. And Jeremy Allen White's continued ascent as a powerhouse actor could make this a breakout summer festival favorite when it surfaces.
