Red Tails inspired by the high-flying, heroics of Tuskegee Airmen opens 27 Sept

“Nothing’s difficult. Everything’s a challenge. Through adversity to the stars. From the last plane to the last bullet to the last minute to the last man – we fight. WE fight! We FIGHT!”

RED TAILS is an exciting and emotional action-packed film that tells the story of everyday heroes rising above extraordinary challenges. Inspired by the heroics and valor of the first all-African American aerial combat unit, the film follows the Tuskegee Airmen as they shatter all doubts and prejudices with excellence in the air and on the ground.

Executive Producer George Lucas dedicated over 23 years to Red Tails, patiently developing the script and seeking out a director who could bring his vision to life and deliver an adventure film of stirring heroics that have come to define the Lucasfilm moniker.

Under the direction of Anthony Hemingway (Treme, The Wire, Battlestar Galactica, True Blood), Red Tails uses the historic backdrop of World War II to tell the story of a cast of men, drawn from many walks of life, who were united in their desire to fight for their country against a daunting enemy.

The men’s camaraderie, courage and exceptional skills create a rousing adventure as the Red Tails fight the perils facing the Allied forces in the European theater. Meanwhile, in the halls of the Pentagon, one man fights so that the men under his charge are afforded the opportunity to prove their mettle in war.

Red Tails is a multi-layered film, taking viewers inside the cockpit during spectacular gut-wrenching aerial dogfights, as well as into the hearts and minds of the pilots, crewmen and leaders during World War II.

The film’s ensemble cast includes Oscar® winner Cuba Gooding Jr., Oscar nominee Terrence Howard, Bryan Cranston, Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Tristan Wilds, Cliff Smith aka Method Man, Kevin Phillips,  Lee Tergesen, Andre Royo, Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley, Marcus T. Paulk, Leslie Odom Jr., Michael B. Jordan and Daniela Ruah.

The film is being produced by Rick McCallum and Charles Floyd Johnson.

At its heart, Red Tails aspires to honor the bravery, excellence and heroism of the men that served as Tuskegee Airmen by introducing their story to all generations through a thrilling action adventure story. In this way, the film looks to educate and entertain a generation about these true American heroes who forever put to rest the misplaced belief that African Americans lacked the courage, discipline and intelligence to be fighter pilots. Against all odds, these men fought to the last plane, to the last bullet, to the last minute, to the last man and won the admiration of the world.

The film will be distributed by The Walt Disney Company in South Africa and will be released nationwide on Friday 27 September 2013.