CNN
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John Travolta says a near-death experience he had while piloting a plane in 1992 inspired him to take on the role in the new Disney+ short film “The Shepherd.”
The film “The Shepherd” tells the story of a young pilot trying to land safely after suffering an electrical malfunction in the air. The premise is eerily similar to what Travolta, a licensed pilot, said he experienced in 1992.
Recalling the incident during a question-and-answer session in London on Thursday, according to diverseTravolta said that he “experienced a complete electrical failure” in the plane he was flying while flying over Washington, D.C., with his family.
“I knew what it felt like when you thought you were going to die,” he said. “I had two good jet engines, but I had no tools, no electrician, nothing. I thought it was over.”
He said he eventually made a safe landing “as if by a miracle.” That’s why Travolta was drawn to The Shepherd, which is based on Frederick Forsyth’s 1975 book of the same title.
In the short film, Travolta plays a good Samaritan who guides a young pilot (Ben Radcliffe) to safety after he finds himself “in danger when his radio and electricity go out, leaving him stranded and running on limited fuel,” according to a source. Official summary.
Travolta said Radcliffe “captured that desperation when you think you’re actually going to die.”
The “Pulp Fiction” actor said the story of “The Shepherd” resonated deeply with him because it’s about “life and death and how precious life is.”
“The Shepherd” will be available to stream on Disney+ on December 1.
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