Renowned director Ron Howard is set to lead a new military drama titled Alone At Dawn, produced by Amazon MGM Studios. This upcoming film will star Anne Hathaway and Adam Driver, marking the first collaboration between these two acclaimed actors. The project centers on a true story that highlights courage and sacrifice in a military setting.
The Real-Life Story Behind Alone At Dawn
Alone At Dawn is adapted from the 2019 book by Dan Schilling and Lori Chapman Longfritz. It chronicles the heroism of John Chapman, a Medal of Honor recipient who made a final stand in Afghanistan in 2002. His actions during that battle led to posthumous recognition with the military’s highest honor. The story was further illuminated by a thorough investigation after Chapman’s death, revealing the extraordinary bravery he displayed as the first Air Force Combat Controller to receive the Medal of Honor in nearly fifty years.
Adaptation and Production Details
The film’s screenplay is based on Michael Russell Gunn’s adaptation of the original book, with additional revisions by Erin Cressida Wilson and Amy Herzog. Dan Schilling, co-author of the book, will serve as a military consultant on the production, while Lori Chapman Longfritz, Chapman’s sister, is closely connected to the film’s development. The project is backed by producers from Imagine Entertainment, The Hideaway Entertainment, and Thruline Entertainment, including Kristy Grisham, William Connor, and Patrick Newall. Gunn also takes on the role of executive producer.
Journey to the Big Screen and Casting Insights
The path to bringing Alone At Dawn to the screen was notable. Thruline Entertainment initially introduced the manuscript to The Hideaway Entertainment, which secured the rights before the book achieved bestseller status. The Hideaway brought in Gunn to craft the screenplay and later partnered with Imagine Entertainment. Ron Howard, drawn to the compelling script, quickly signed on as director and brought Amazon MGM Studios into the project. During casting, Howard discovered Adam Driver, a former Marine actively seeking a military-themed film to star in, making him an ideal fit for this role. Shortly after, Anne Hathaway joined the cast as his co-star, aligning this film as her next endeavor after completing The Devil Wears Prada 2.
First-Time Collaboration Between Hathaway and Driver
Alone At Dawn marks the first time Anne Hathaway and Adam Driver will share the screen, despite their initially planned team-up in James Gray’s Paper Tiger, a project Hathaway exited before production started. Hathaway is slated for a busy slate beyond this film, including roles in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Flowervale Street, a new The Princess Diaries sequel, and David Lowery’s Mother Mary, a long-delayed A24 film expected to release next year. Adam Driver continues his varied career with projects like Jim Jarmusch’s Golden Lion-winning film Father Mother Sister Brother, the upcoming Paper Tiger, and an untitled film directed by Chris Rock.
Anticipated Release and Future Prospects
Alone At Dawn is planned for theatrical release, potentially arriving in late 2026 or 2027. This project not only underscores Ron Howard’s continued interest in true-life military stories following his recent films Eden and Thirteen Lives, but also represents a meaningful collaboration for Anne Hathaway focused on serious drama. Audiences can look forward to a poignant depiction of valor and sacrifice, supported by a production team committed to honoring John Chapman’s legacy and military history.
