In theaters on November 23rd, ‘Devotion’ tells the inspirational tale of Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors), the first black fighter pilot in U.S. Naval history. Along with his fellow fighter pilot and friend, Tom Hudner (Glen Powell). The two pilots helped turn the tide in the most brutal battle in the Korean War.
The film focuses on their heroic acts and enduring friendship that would ultimately make them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen. Starring as Jesse Brown, Jonathan Majors chats with Jon Stenvall about the role’s challenges and what drew him to the character.
Here’s just a short excerpt from Backstage OL’s interview with Jonathan Majors. Be sure to check out the full interview on our Youtube page.
Why He Chose the Role
“I always look at the script and I go, how difficult is it gonna be, what’s the responsibility and I look for something that’s a high-level difficult. Because that’s going to be fun, that’s going to be challenging, we’re going grow from that. We gotta fly a plane so the technical aspects of that are strong, he is also a nuanced individual, where he’s not giving it all away. But ultimately, it was the fact that I felt his bravery and his ark as a human being, from the mud of Mississippi to the sky.
To be the first black Naval aviator, simply from the mud of Mississippi to achieve one’s goal of being an aviator, a fighting pilot, that’s just incredible. Then to realize that this is the first time many people, most people will get to know this man. This is his handshake, this is his headshot, you go ‘Hi this is Jesse Brown’ and I thought what a rare and honorable job to take on, so I took it and did my best with it.”
Devotion starring Jonathan Majors, Glen Powell, and Joe Jonas releases in theaters on November 23, 2022.
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