Gerard Butler’s ‘Plane’ Is a Netflix Hit and More Realistic Than You Think

Gerard Butler‘s action thriller Plane made a serious impact when it landed in theaters in January 2023, and now, the film is finding new life as a streaming hit on Netflix. With a production budget of $75 million and a pulse-pounding premise, Plane quickly won over fans and critics alike. The film follows pilot Brodie Torrance, played by Butler, who pulls off a daring emergency landing on a war-torn island after a lightning strike disables his plane. However, little does he know that the real danger is only about to strike post-landing. Rebels take the passengers hostage, and Torrance is forced to partner with Louis Gaspare, a prisoner with a murky past, played by Mike Colter.

The gritty, grounded approach that Plane takes to storytelling allows the film to stand out in a sea of generic action flicks. The film leans into realism rather than relying solely on explosions and one-liners. Former Navy SEALs were not only hired to choreograph the action, but also to appear on-screen. Their involvement brings a high level of military precision to the film, elevating the intensity and believability of each sequence. For a movie that could have been all spectacle, Plane surprises by offering authenticity in its thrills.

Real-Life Navy SEALs Bring the Battlefield To Screens in ‘Plane’

Helping Plane create its own identity is the caliber of talent behind the film’s action design, primarily through the real Navy SEALs who were involved both on and off camera. Among them was former SEAL Remi Adeleke, who has worked on several Hollywood projects and lent his expertise to ensure the military sequences were handled with accuracy and respect. The film also featured retired SEAL Pete Scobell as part of the rescue team sent to extract Torrance and his passengers.

Given their military backgrounds, it is no surprise that these actors embodied the characters they played, bringing authentic tactics, body language, and dialogue to every moment they were on-screen. Their military training inadvertently became an integral part of how the actors navigated hostile territory, cleared rooms, or handled high-stress situations. Moreover, the input of these experts ensured that the action in Plane is not simply “cool” to look at; instead, it allows it to feel earned, precise, and grounded in something real.

Plane‘s authenticity comes through even when viewers aren’t aware of the real-life SEALs involved. Elements that those who have real-life experience bring to screens, including how they precisely execute close-quarter maneuvers and engage in cold, professional communication, signal both competence and realism. By blending real-life operators with Hollywood storytelling, Plane has successfully infused genuine intensity into its set pieces, transforming the film from a mere popcorn flick into a gripping survival story.

Its Real-Life Roots Heighten the Impact of ‘Plane’

One of the best parts about Plane is how genuinely stressful the film feels. The danger feels as though it has real weight and is not confined to the cartoonish, implausible action often seen in blockbuster action films. This intensity stems from having individuals with real combat experience advising and acting in the film’s most dangerous scenes. When real Navy SEALs are behind the camera and in front of it, the stakes hit harder. Director Jean-François Richet, too, was well aware of this. As Butler claims:

“Initially we were looking at actors for those roles, and Jean-François said no. He insisted that we got military who could act.”

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Jean-François’s decision has evidently paid off, as the film demonstrates the stakes that these real-life soldiers brought to the table. From the way the characters move through terrain to how they handle firearms, there is an edge of caution and calculation that only an individual with battlefield experience can replicate. As such, the film’s real-life roots shaped how tension was built into the DNA of each scene, going beyond just visual accuracy. Speaking of what it was like to be on set with those who had real weapons experience, Colter said:

“With that many people having that many weapons on set, it’s good to have people who actually eat, sleep and breathe that life so you don’t have to worry about them doing something silly. These guys are well-equipped to do that stuff.”

This kind of realism undoubtedly heightens a film’s emotional payoff. Decisions that are made appear not just dramatic, but also plausible. This is perhaps the power of having real combat veterans on set. They bring the unseen weight of real-world consequences to every bullet fired and every breath held, allowing the narrative to transcend mere action and become rooted in truth. As Butler puts it:

“You know you’re with the real deal…so when they’re fighting, you’re like ‘Okay, this is not pretend. This is not us pretending'”

‘Plane’ Proves That Audience Trust Is Earned Through Authenticity

It is no coincidence that Plane struck a chord with general audiences, earning an impressive 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Such a reception does not occur unless viewers feel they are experiencing something more than recycled action tropes. As such, the authenticity of Plane undoubtedly plays a significant role in shaping audience reception.

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While the casting of real SEALs helped ground the film in credibility, their influence extended even further. Butler himself has spoken about learning from the military consultants on set, noting how their knowledge shaped everything from posture to panic responses. This level of behind-the-scenes coaching has equipped the actors with a sense of control and confidence that is visible in Plane. It also gives audiences something rare in Hollywood: a movie that respects its premise, characters, and viewers.

In an age when action movies often lean into exaggerated spectacle and superhero showdowns, Plane offers a refreshing return to (somewhat) realistic high-stakes storytelling. Gerard Butler and Mike Colter give compelling performances, but what truly sets the film apart is its commitment to authenticity. With real Navy SEALs on set, shaping both the tone and tactical execution, Plane delivers a brand of realism that is refreshing to find in today’s Hollywood. Plane is now on Netflix.