On 26 January, the much anticipated Masters of the Air series was released on Apple TV+. Based on the 2007 book ‘Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air Against Nazi Germany’ by Donald L. Miller, the miniseries follows the 100th Bomb Group, and heavy bomber unit in the Eighth Air Force during World War II.

Not only do Austin Butler (Elvis) and Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin) star in this historical drama, but so do two Old Fishes!

Nathan Collins as Lieutenant George Oliver in 'Masters of the Air'

Nathan Collins (2008-2015) and Nathan Hubble (2014-2016), feature in this miniseries as Lieutenant George Oliver and Britton Smith, both real people who fought as part of this Bomb Group in the Second World War.

Nathan Collins said:

“The experience really was one of a kind, and with it being the follow up to Band of Brothers and The Pacific, and knowing what that has done for young British actors, I feel very lucky and grateful to have been part of it.”

In preparation for their roles and the filming, Collins and Hubble, along with approximately 100 other cast members underwent a Military Bootcamp. This included two weeks dressed in full uniform – complete with face coverings -, attending lectures on the War and the planes they would be ‘flying’, undergoing miliary and weapons training as well as flight simulations, and training with dialect coaches to perfect their American accents.

Nathan Hubble as Britton Smith in 'Masters of the Air'

Nathan Hubble said:

“It was surreal to work alongside actors whom I had watched on television for many years prior. This experience was truly remarkable, and I am both honoured and proud to have contributed to such a significant project.”

During their time at New Hall School, both Collins and Hubble studied A Level Drama and performed in various plays and musicals, before heading to their respective chosen drama schools. Before Collins left New Hall in 2015, the two performed alongside each other in ‘The Bacchae’ (below).

It was an extraordinary experience for both young actors to be a part of, and we look forward to seeing more of them on our screens!