Hollywood icon John Travolta is stepping behind the camera for the first time with his directorial debut Propeller One Way Night Coach, which is scheduled to premiere at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. The film will be showcased under the Cannes Premiere Selection and marks a significant milestone in Travolta’s long and celebrated career.
The movie is based on a children’s book created by Travolta in 1997, drawing inspiration from his early life and deep fascination with aviation. The story follows a young boy named Jeff who embarks on a cross-country journey to Hollywood with his mother, turning a simple flight into a memorable adventure filled with unique encounters and life-changing experiences.
The film features newcomer Clark Shotwell in the lead role, alongside Kelly Eviston-Quinnett as his mother. Travolta’s daughter Ella Bleu Travolta also appears in the film, along with Olga Hoffmann, adding a personal touch to the project.
Produced by Travolta’s own banner JTP Films in collaboration with Kids at Play, the project reflects his passion for storytelling and aviation. The premiere is set to take place at the Debussy Theatre in Cannes, where Travolta is expected to attend the screening.
Following its festival debut, the film will be released globally on Apple TV on May 29, bringing the heartfelt story to a wider audience.
Travolta’s connection to aviation runs deep, as he began flying at a young age and holds multiple pilot certifications. Over the years, he has also brought several films to Cannes, including Pulp Fiction and She’s So Lovely, further strengthening his association with the prestigious festival.
The 79th Cannes Film Festival will begin on May 12, featuring a lineup of highly anticipated films and global premieres, with Travolta’s debut standing out as one of the most talked-about entries this year.
