Korean War Story Gets Own Hollywood Film
March 03, 2021
When was the last time you saw a new Korean War film, decades? Most likely that is the case, but not for long! It seems Tinseltown is producing a new Korean War film based on the friendship and heroics of two Navy aviators.
Based on Adam Makos’ bestselling book, “Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice,” the film chronicles the friendship between Navy aviators Jesse L. Brown and Tom Hudner and their heroism during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
The two aviators were close friends before Brown was shot down on December 4, 1950, while providing air support for the pinned-down Marine Corps at the Chosin Reservoir. Hudner was flying overhead and crashed his own plane to save Brown.
Jesse Brown did not survive that day, but Tom did and would later receive the Medal of Honor for his actions, trying to save his friend and fellow aviator from an untimely death.
The film appears to have cast Jonathan Majors – “Da 5 Bloods” and “Lovecraft Country” – as Jesse LeRoy Brown, and Glen Powell – “Hangman – Top Gun: Maverick” – plans to play Lt. Thomas Hudner. The project will be directed by J.D. Dillard, and has been on location in Savannah, Georgia, this spring.
“Devotion” is currently the working title for the film, and it’s being produced by Black Label Media for Sony Pictures. Black Label knows how to make war films and tell stories of true heroism. Over the past few years, they’ve produced the Afghanistan war movie “12 Strong,” firefighter drama “Only the Brave” and both “Sicario” movies.
Jesse Brown was the first Black aviator in the Navy, so this is already a historic tale to tell even without its compelling tones of friendship and heroism. While many of us will not see this film before 2022, it is one worth watching as soon as it premieres!