When it was announced that Tom Hanks would portray “Miracle on the Hudson” pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger in Clint Eastwood‘s film Sully, it seemed like perfect casting. Who better to portray an American hero than one of the most likeable actors ever to appear on camera? In the press notes for Sully, Hanks talks about the intimidating aspects of the role and how he prepared to play the much-heralded pilot.
Though Hanks originally intended to take some time off, when the opportunity to play an actual American hero came up, Hanks couldn’t say no. He says, “Sometimes you read something that is so stirring and at the same time so simple, such a perfect blend of behavior and procedure. Now, I’m as competitive as the next actor, so I knew I wanted at least a shot at it, even though I’d been working pretty steadily for about six years. Sure I was beat but, not unlike a solid jolt of adrenaline, this role, Sully, Mr. Clint Eastwood…they all came along. I felt like I couldn’t pass up a chance at playing in this great double-header at the end of this long baseball season.”
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