John Travolta's directorial debut to premiere at Cannes 2026
What's the story
Hollywood actor John Travolta will premiere his directorial debut, Propeller One-Way Night Coach, at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. The film is an adaptation of Travolta's 1997 children's book of the same name. The story follows a young aviation enthusiast, Jeff (Clark Shotwell), and his mother on a transformative journey to Hollywood. The festival will take place from May 12 to May 23, 2026.
Film inspiration
Story, cast, and crew of 'Propeller One-Way Night Coach'
Travolta, a lifelong aviation enthusiast, wrote and illustrated the original book for his son in the 1990s. The film adaptation features Jeff and his mother (Kelly Eviston-Quinnett) embarking on a cross-country journey to Hollywood, filled with airline meals, unexpected stopovers, and larger-than-life passengers. The story unfolds in magical moments that shape Jeff's future. Ella Bleu Travolta (his daughter) and Olga Hoffmann play flight attendants in the film. The movie will be available on Apple TV from May 29.
Festival history
Travolta's connection to aviation
This will be Travolta's fourth appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, following his roles in Pulp Fiction, She's So Lovely, and Primary Colors. Pulp Fiction won the Palme d'Or award in 1994. Apart from acting, Travolta is also a certified pilot who has flown Boeing 707s, 737s, and 747s, per Deadline. He was the first private pilot to fly an Airbus A380 and even flew planes in Look Who's Talking (1989) and Broken Arrow (1996).