Tom Hanks to Play Danville's Captain "Sully" Sullenberger in Movie

DANVILLE, CA — Almost seven years after Danville resident Chesley Burnett "Sully" Sullenberger safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in New York, a movie detailing his story will be released in September.

East Bay resident and retired pilot Sullenberger, who is played by actor Tom Hanks, was thrust into the international spotlight following the dramatic water landing on January 15, 2009. All 155 people on board the flight survived and were uninjured. The incredible story about the “Miracle on the Hudson” and the events that triggered the landing are brought to life through the film directed by Carmel resident Clint Eastwood.

Since the famous landing, Sullenberger, a native Texan and former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, shared his story through his memoir, "Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters” co-authored by Jeffrey Zaslow. According to his website, Sullenberger is an international lecturer, author and consultant.

Photo of Sully Sullenberger courtesy Jennifer Vigil/ Patch archive