Adaptation of Seth Meyerowitz’s Book in the Works
The true history of survival behind Seth Meyerowitz’s book, “The Lost Plane: A True History of Escape from Nazi-Occupied France,” could soon be brought to life on the big screen. According to new reports, Ben Stiller is in conversations to direct the adaptation, now titled “Plane,” with Jeremy Allen White negotiating to star and A24 set to land the project. Ben Shattuck wrote the script.
The Story Behind the Book
Based on the 2016 non-fiction book, the film will tell the story of Arthur Meyerowitz, an American turret gunner whose B-24 bomber was shot down over Vichy France in 1943. Meyerowitz, who hid in the French landscape, found an unlikely ally in Marcel Talliander, the founder of the famous French resistance group Reseau Morhanange. After the Gestapo closed in, the network protected him for six months before developing a daring plan that ultimately brought Meyerowitz across the border to Spain – and freedom. The story is reminiscent of “The Big Escape” or “Unbroken.”
Ben Stiller’s Recent Work
For Stiller, “Plane” would mark a return to feature film directing after having helmed prestige series for a few years. He was one of the creative architects of Apple TV+’s “Severance,” which earned 27 Emmy nominations this month, the most of any show this year. Stiller also directed Showtime’s “Escape at Dannemora,” which brought him both a DGA award and an Emmy nomination. His last feature film was 2016’s “Zoolander 2,” making “Plane” his first film in over a decade.
Jeremy Allen White’s Busy Schedule
Meanwhile, Jeremy Allen White continues to be one of Hollywood’s busiest actors. In addition to his Emmy-winning role on FX’s “The Bear,” he is generating awards buzz for his performance as Bruce Springsteen in Scott Cooper’s “Don’t Send Me Away,” which premiered to acclaim at the Telluride Film Festival. If the “Plane” deal closes, White will step into the boots of Arthur Meyerowitz, bringing his intensity and grounded performances to a harrowing wartime tale.
Production Details
When all the pieces fall into place, production on “Plane” is expected to begin in early 2027. With A24 and two massively overqualified stars set to guide and star in the film, we may have the next big World War II thriller on our hands.
