OAN Staff Lillian Mann
11:45 AM – Monday, May 25, 2026
Universal Pictures and blockbuster director Michael Bay are wasting no time bringing the harrowing true story of “Operation Epic Fury” to the big screen. The upcoming feature film will chronicle the U.S. military’s dramatic April rescue mission in Iran, focusing on the high-stakes effort to save two downed American pilots trapped behind enemy lines.
The film will reportedly be based off the upcoming book by journalist Mitchell Zuckoff, depicting the fearless mission of two U.S. airmen who were rescued after their F-15E Strike Eagle was downed during Operation Epic Fury.
At the time, the dramatic shootdown of the U.S. fighter jet over Iran’s rugged Zagros Mountains instantly captured global headlines — and it wasn’t long before the harrowing rescue mission caught the eye of the “Transformers” director.
President Donald Trump had hailed the mission as “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in U.S. history” after the colonel was successfully recovered — thwarting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which had placed a $66,000 bounty on his capture.
Known for his decades-long collaboration with the Pentagon, Bay frequently partners with the U.S. Armed Forces to secure the authentic hardware, personnel, and logistical backing needed for his massive-scale productions.
His military-focused filmography includes “Pearl Harbor” and “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.” According to Deadline, Bay’s cinematic track record has established him as one of Hollywood’s most commercially successful filmmakers, with his movies collectively grossing over $10 billion at the global box office.
“I’ve had an amazing partnership over my 30-year career working with the Department of War and amazing U.S. military members,” Bay told Deadline on the new project. “In my film 13 Hours, no rescue force answered the call for help.”
“This film is about everyone who answered the call in one of the most complex, intricate and high-stakes operations in recent history. It celebrates the true heroism and unwavering dedication of our service members.”
Nonetheless, despite the celebratory nature of the story, critics have condemned the timing of the film — which is intended to be a retrospective look at the mission — arguing that Hollywood should not be looking back as active tensions with Iran continue. However, others view the project as a necessary and timely tribute to a modern military triumph.
President Donald Trump has hailed the mission as “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in US History” after the colonel was recovered, despite the efforts of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which offered $66,000 for his capture.
A release date has not been announced for Bay’s new film.
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