U.S. Pilots Pursue Perfection in the Skies in ‘Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds’ Trailer [Exclusive]

Last year, ahead of Memorial Day, The Blue Angels soared onto the gigantic screen with a high-flying, made-for-IMAX documentary taking viewers behind the scenes and into the cockpits of the legendary aviation team. One year later, it’s now time to highlight another globally-recognized group of elite display pilots — the United States Air Force’s Thunderbirds. Collider can exclusively share the official trailer for Netflix’s up-to-date documentary Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds, which brings viewers along for every step of the team’s pursuit of perfection in the skies, from the grueling training procedures to the dazzling aerial performances that make it all worthwhile. The film will be available to stream on May 23, just in time for the holiday weekend.

The trailer immediately highlights the danger the Thunderbirds face every time they take flight, as they soar in uncomfortably tight formations near the speed of sound. Even though these are the Air Force’s top battle-tested pilots, they’re always one minuscule mistake from putting everyone’s life in danger. Yet, that adrenaline of almost always being a second away from disaster is a bit of a motivator as they tour around the world and dazzle viewers with loops, dives, and high bomb bursts that require thousands of hours of practice. The documentary will pick up with the team as they face even higher risk with three up-to-date pilots joining the team under formation leader Lt. Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott. Beyond the high-flying acrobatics, of which there is plenty, there will be intense conversations breaking down mistakes and ensuring every team member fully understands the responsibilities and dangers of being a Thunderbird for themselves, their fellow pilots, and their families.

Elliott will be the main focus of the intense documentary, highlighting his story as a family man who gave up on his astronaut dreams to turn the 2023 squad into the best group of Thunderbirds to ever tear through the skies. There’s an extra risk for him as someone with adolescent kids, adding to the pressure of perfecting all the high-flying maneuvers with his up-to-date team in just 60 days. The film is billed as much more than just an up-close look at an air show, exploring the mettle of each pilot as they face their mistakes and strive forward with a mindset of service over self. Viewers will get a peek into the cockpits, the scathing meetings, and the personal discussions about life and death that each member grapples with throughout the process of preparing for their next slate of shows.

Who Is Behind ‘Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds’?

Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds marked the feature directorial debut of Matt Wilcox, who had previously worked on the NBA series Pass the Rock. He’s already been busy this year, serving as an executive producer on HBO’s basketball documentary We Beat the Dream Team. His first film at the helm has some presidential weight behind it with Barack and Michelle Obama serving as executive producers through their Higher Ground Productions banner, alongside Blue Ox Films and Supper Club. Higher Ground has been a constant presence on the platform between narrative features like Leave the World Behind and Rustin, the Jon Batiste biographical documentary American Symphony, and sports documentary series like Starting Five and Court of Gold. Tackling the Thunderbirds further diversifies their Netflix portfolio and looks to bring some high-flying action in time for Memorial Day.

Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds premieres on Netflix on May 23. Check out the exclusive trailer in the player above.

Image via Netflix