Is 'Masters of the Air' based on true story? Apple TV+ series takes inspiration from Donald L Miller's book

'Masters of the Air' on Apple TV+ stars Austin Butler and Callum Turner as US Air Force pilots in Second World War
PUBLISHED FEB 2, 2024
A still from 'Masters of the Air' on Apple TV (Apple TV+)
A still from 'Masters of the Air' on Apple TV (Apple TV+)

LONDON, ENGLAND: ‘Masters of the Air’ is now available for streaming on Apple TV+, offering a gripping war drama experience with a star-studded cast and a captivating opening sequence.

Inspired by Donald L Miller's 2007 book, ‘Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany,’ the series unfolds against the backdrop of World War II.

However, the question lingers: to what extent does Apple TV's war drama draw from historical events, and where does fiction take the reins?  

What is Donald L Miller’s book about?

'Masters of the Air' draws its narrative inspiration from Donald L Miller's compelling book, recounting the gripping history of the American Eighth Air Force during World War II.

The book captures the accounts of these young men who, through their high-risk missions over Germany, played an important role in turning the tide of the war. They flew the bombers that not only defeated the Nazis but also liberated Europe from its shackles.

Miller's retelling of these events serves as the foundation for 'Masters of the Air,' a series brought to life through the collaborative efforts of acclaimed producers Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

How true are the events in ‘Masters of the Air’?

Austin Butler plays the role of Major Glen Cleven in 'Masters of the Air' on Apple TV (Instagram/@appletv)
Austin Butler plays the role of Major Glen Cleven in 'Masters of the Air' on Apple TV (Instagram/@appletv)

USA Today recently released a fact check of ‘Masters of the Air,’ which is something several people are curious about as they tune into Apple TV to watch the series.

Reportedly, Donald J Miller has claimed that all the “major players” in the series are real World War II veterans.

This includes significant roles as Gale Cleven played by Austin Butler, John Egan played by Callum Turner, Curtis Biddick played by Barry Keoghan and Harry Crosby played by Anthony Boyle among others.

So far, viewers have only scratched the surface of the dangerous missions undertaken by these young men in the show, with much more yet to unfold.

According to the previously mentioned report, Miller shared insights into the intensity of the missions during the war and said, “I don’t think you’ll find combat anywhere in history as intense as these air fights.”

It is safe to say that a lot of what the audience might witness in ‘Masters of the Air’ is rooted in real historical events, however, certain elements, dialogues, or dramatizations may have been fictionalized for storytelling purposes.

‘Masters of the Air’ is now streaming on Apple TV+

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