George Lucas debuts Tuskegee trailer, ‘Red Tails’

After nearly twenty years in development and reshoots, Star Wars guru George Lucas has finally unveiled the trailer for his first non sci-fi feature, ‘Red Tails’ which tells the enduring story of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Due for release on January 20th the film covers life among the first all-black fighter group in US Military history, and George still seems enthusiastic after so long in production;

“I’ve wanted to do this film for a great many years,” he tells the reporters. ”So it’s especially gratifying to see it all come together. The Tuskegee Airmen were superb pilots. They were only in their early 20s when they performed amazing feats. It’s an honor to bring to the screen a story inspired by their heroics.”

And director, Anthony Hemmingway – whose past credits include ‘The Wire’ and ‘Battlestar Galactica’ – seems equally moved by the tale;

“I am humbled and honored to direct the story of the Tuskegee Airmen,” he says in the official release. “To be selected was more than my wildest dreams come true….The resonant beauty, strength and dedication of our heroes is reflected in the powerful ensemble cast.”

He could be right – that cast includes Cuba Gooding Jr. (Oscar for Jerry Maguire), Terrence Howard, Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”), Leslie Odom (from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’), Michael B. Jordan (‘Friday Night Lights,) and Daniela Ruah, who is in ‘NCIS.’ Plus Nate Parker, 9210′s Tristan Wilds, and Grammy-winner Ne-Yo.

George first had the idea for the film around 1990. Production began in 2009 but the movie was stalled for months by demands from George for numerous re-writes and even that some scenes be re-shot.

The story itself is unique: Before the Tuskegee unit was formed no black member of the US Military was allowed to become a pilot. In 1941 Congress passed a law ending that blockade. On March 19th the first unit including black pilots began training at Tuskegee, Alabama, and their skills and bravery soon won them unfettered respect.

The trailer below gives a taste of the action and drama those men must have faced. See if you think it was worth the wait…

EON