Billy Howle to Star in WWII Survival Drama ‘Turret’ Alongside Sawyer Spielberg, Moonrise Launching Sales (EXCLUSIVE)

Billy Howle (“Outlaw King,” “On Chesil Beach”) is set to take the lead in “Turret,” new new WWII survival drama from “Arctic” producer Noah C. Haeussner and “Senna” producer Causeway Pictures. Also attached in a supporting role is Sawyer Spielberg (“Masters of the Air,” “Materialists”).

Moonrise has boarded global sales and will be introducing the project in Cannes.

“Turret” — described as a “visceral, high-intensity” film with “strong thriller elements” — follows Paul Campbell, a devoted family man and B-17 turret gunner thrust into the perilous skies over WWII Europe. But the danger doesn’t end in the air—his survival sets off a chain of events that ripple far beyond the battlefield.

The film is co-written and will be co-directed by Tim Bellen and Chris Haifley. Bellen, a cinematographer turned director, is known for his evocative visual style, while Haifley is best known for “Ronnie” starring Adam Scott, a Slamdance Grand Jury Prize nominee.

Also attached are Ted Lehane as co-producer and Robert Lehane as executive producer of Flak Happy Films, Edwina Forkin as Irish executive producer, and Byron Collins as associate producer.

The film is a U.K.-Ireland co-production and will be shot entirely in Northern Ireland.

“Billy Howle’s talent and career trajectory made him the clear choice to lead this powerful epic story, alongside our remarkable Irish and UK teams” said producer Haeussner.

“This is exactly the kind of elevated concept with emotional weight that buyers are looking for—visually bold, character-driven, and with global appeal,” added Colette Aguilar, CEO of Moonrise.

“Turret” will shoot on the state-of-the-art virtual production stage at Studio Ulster in Belfast, with post-production at Ka-Boom (“Catch Me A Killer”), and visual effects by MILK VFX (“Wonka,” “Ex Machina”), and Dimension Studio (“Wicked,” “Here”).

Howle is represented by Nicola Van Gelder and Rachael Swanton at Conway van Gelder Grant. Spielberg is represented by Scott Swiontek at Swiontek Entertainment. Haeussner is represented by Mike de Trana at Anvil Entertainment.