Art Imitating Life: Clint Eastwood Cast Real Heroes for Upcoming The 15:17 to Paris

Clint Eastwood took yet another daring move, this time in regards to his upcoming film The 15:17 to Paris. Variety reports that the film will tell the story of the three American friends-turned-heroes when they prevented a terrorist attack on Thalys train #9364 headed for Paris. In an unusual twist, the three friends – Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, and Spencer Stone – will be played by themselves. The three will have fairly larger roles, but the film will portray far more than their heroism; it will look at their childhoods and friendship leading up to the event.

Joining the three real-life heroes will be Jenna Fischer (The Giant Mechanical Man), Judy Greer (Jurassic World), and Ray Corasani (Desert Bloom). As well, Paul-Mikel Williams (Westworld), Max Ivutin, Bryce Gheisa, Cole Eichenberger, and William Jennings who will play younger versions of the three men.

The film is based on the book of the same name by Sadler, Skarlatos, Stone, and Jeffrey E. Stern. Dorothy Blyskal (Logan) will write the script. Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures will distribute the film.

Eastwood’s last two films – Sully and American Sniper – have both also chronicled real-life American heroes. Both films were also two of his biggest.

The film is still in pre-production with no set release date yet. 

Featured image: L-r: Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood on the set of Sully. Courtesy Warner Bros.