The Apple TV+ WWII epic features phenomenal performances by Austin Butler and Callum Turner.
On January 26, viewers can take to the skies on Apple TV+ thanks to the new miniseries Masters of the Air.
The 9-episode series follows the 100th Bomb Group during World War II as members of the squadron fly harrowing and dangerous missions. It’s the perfect end cap to complete the trilogy started with HBO’s Band of Brothers and The Pacific.
All three series were produced by Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and Gary Goetzman, and the latest entry is beyond worthy of it’s counterparts. Although the gap between the shows is large, Goetzman explained that it was necessary to ensure the technology was developed enough to properly execute the aviation scenes.
“We go at it like we’re making big movies,” Goetzman told For The Win in a recent interview. “One of the things we realized was we couldn’t do the stories in the air, and then finally when the technology came along — and we found a fantastic visual effects Oscar winner and supervisor in Stephen Rosenbaum — it was finally the time.”
And it was worth the wait.
Masters of the Air follows four main characters — Major Gale Cleven (Austin Butler), Major John Egan (Callum Turner), Lieutenant Harry Crosby (Anthony Boyle) and Major Robert Rosenthal (Nate Mann) — throughout their wartime missions and experiences.
Much like Band of Brothers before it, Masters of the Air truly flourishes through the personal connections you form with the characters on screen. Butler and Turner are fantastic, both separately and when paired together. As the narrator, Boyle’s Crosby is wonderful. Mann’s “Rosie” brings an emotional gravitas to the screen. The missions will have you on the edge of your seat, fueled by anxiety and anticipation.
Since there are only about 10 airworthy B-17 bombers left, several models of the plane were built for the series, as were individual cockpits, gunner positions and fuselages for the more practical effects. The actors were put through a couple weeks of bootcamp to learn everything from aviation procedures to how to salute.
Masters of the Air is a triumph, and worthy of its place alongside its Emmy Award-winning predecessors.
The first two episodes are available on Apple TV+ now.
