John Travolta to Make Directorial Debut with "Propeller One-Way Night Coach" at Cannes 2026

John Travolta is moving into directing with high-profile premiere at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

Travolta will make his directorial debut with the movie “Propeller One-Way Night Coach” at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in May.

An Apple Original film, the feature is an adaptation of Travolta's 1997 children book of the same name.

The movie will premiere in the non-competitive section, Cannes Premiere, at the Debussy Theater, ahead of its global debut on Apple TV on May 29.

His presence at the festival will bring some Hollywood star power in a quieter year for studios.

The film’s selection also underlines that major streamers – with the exceptions of Netflix — are willing to play by Cannes’ rules and showcase movies out-of-competition if they’re not planning a local theatrical release.

Travolta’s long gestated project will bring him back to the Croisette where he previously presented as an actor “Pulp Fiction” in 1994, “She’s So Lovely” in 1997, and “Primary Colors” in 1998.

The 72-year-old actor, whose eclectic filmography spans over 70 films, has had the project in mind for decades.

Travolta shot to stardom in 1977 with his role as Tony Manero in "Saturday Night Fever," which earned him his first Oscar nomination. He also enjoyed major success with the 1978 musical film "Grease".

This year's Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to run from May 12 to 23.

Cannes said that Travolta was a seasoned professional pilot who had always been passionate about aviation. “He began flying at just 15 years old, obtained his first pilot’s license at 22, and has since earned numerous certifications: John Travolta is certified to fly Boeing 707s, 737s, and 747s, Bombardier’s Global Express and was the first private pilot to fly an Airbus A380 With over 9,000 flight hours under his belt, the actor has also owned several aircraft for many years and even flew planes in two movies,” stated the festival.

“Propeller One-Way Night Coach” is set in the golden age of aviation as young airplane enthusiast jeff (Clark Shotwell) and his mother (Kelly Eviston-Quinnett) set off on a one-way cross country odyssey to Hollywood.

“Between airline meals, charming fight attendants (Ella Bleu Travolta, Olga Hoffmann), unexpected stopovers, larger-than-life passengers, and a thrilling glimpse at first class, the journey unfolds in moments both magical and unexpected, charting the course for the boys future,” the synopsis reads.

“Propeller One-Way Night Coach” is produced by John Travolta’s JTP Films Inc, and Kids At Play.

Travolta is producing with JTP Productions, in addition to Jason Berger and Amy Laslett of Kids at Play.

Pierre Salvadori’s ambitious period comedy “La Vénus électrique” is set to premiere on opening night, on May 12.

The festival will pay tribute to Barbra Streisand and Peter Jackson, who will each receive an honorary Palme d’Or.

Celebrated South Korean director, screenwriter and producer Park Chan-wook will preside over the jury.

The 79th edition will be held from May 12 to 23. The official selection will be announced on April 9.