Michael Bay to direct true story of mission to save two pilots in Iran during Operation Epic Fury
Bay is known for directing the movies "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi," in 2016 and the 2001 film, "Pearl Harbor." The two pilots flew an Air Force F-15E fighter jet, which Iran shot down last month amid the conflict in the Middle East.
By Misty Severi
Published: May 20, 2026 8:09pm
Award-winning film director Michael Bay will direct a new movie depicting the true story of a rescue operation of two American pilots who were downed in Iran during Operation Epic Fury.
The two pilots flew an Air Force F-15E fighter jet, which Iran shot down last month amid the conflict in the Middle East. A second U.S. fighter jet crashed in Iran shortly after and that pilot was also safely rescued.
The film will tell the story of the two pilots on the Eagle and will be based on the upcoming book by Mitchell Zuckoff, which HarperCollins will publish in 2027, according to Deadline.
Bay has built a reputation for directing war movies and teaming up with the United States' military to tell their stories. He is known for directing the movies "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi," in 2016 and the 2001 film, "Pearl Harbor."
“I’ve had an amazing partnership over my 30-year career working with the Department of War and amazing U.S. military members," Bay told Deadline. "In my film 13 Hours, no rescue force answered the call for help. This film is about everyone who answered the call in one of the most complex, intricate and high-stakes operations in recent history. It celebrates the true heroism and unwavering dedication of our service members.”
The timeline for the film and who will star in it has not been disclosed, but it will be released by Universal Pictures.
https://justthenews.com/nation/culture/michael-bay-direct-true-story-mission-save-two-pilots-iran-during-operation-epic
