American actor John Travolta will present his directorial debut at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival with the feature film Propeller One-Way Night Coach, which will screen out of competition in the Cannes Première section at the Théâtre Debussy. The film, an Apple Original production, will later debut on Apple TV+ on May 29.

The project, long in development by the star of classics such as Grease and Pulp Fiction, is an adaptation of a children’s book written by Travolta himself in 1997 and reflects his well-known passion for aviation. Travolta, who will attend the festival to present the film, is a professional pilot with more than 9,000 flight hours and certifications to operate aircraft such as the Boeing 707, 737 and 747, and was also the first private pilot to fly an Airbus A380.

Set during the golden age of aviation, the film follows a young airplane enthusiast who embarks on a one-way journey to Hollywood with his mother. Along the way, through unexpected stopovers, eccentric passengers and glimpses of first-class travel, the trip unfolds into an adventure marked by both magical and unpredictable moments. The cast includes Clark Shotwell, Kelly Eviston-Quinnett, Ella Bleu Travolta and Olga Hoffmann.

The film is produced by JTP Films Inc. and Kids at Play, with Travolta producing alongside Jason Berger and Amy Laslett. Its selection highlights the growing presence of major streaming platforms at the festival, which are willing to premiere films out of competition when they are not planning a theatrical release in France.

Travolta returns to Cannes, where he previously appeared as an actor with films such as Pulp Fiction, She’s So Lovely and Primary Colors, in an edition set to run from May 12 to 23. The opening film will be La Vénus Électrique by French director Pierre Salvadori, while Peter Jackson and Barbra Streisand will receive honorary Palme d’Or awards. The official competition jury will be presided over by South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook.

The full Official Selection will be announced on April 9.