When a World War II drama series about airmen features the likes of Austin Butler, Barry Keoghan, and Callum Turner, it’s reasonable to presume that one of them would be playing the story’s quintessential hotshot pilot. Instead, that honor belongs to Nate Mann, who portrays Lieutenant Robert “Rosie” Rosenthal, one of the most decorated real-life B-17 pilots to serve in WWII, on Apple TV+'s Masters of the Air.
Rosenthal, a successful lawyer in New York, transitioned to become a skilled B-17 pilot at Laredo Air Force Base after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mann, dedicated to portraying the role authentically, immersed himself in learning about the B-17 and the responsibilities of a bomber pilot. He utilized technical advisors, studied the cockpit, and even used a flight simulator during his downtime to enhance his performance.
Graduating from Juilliard in 2019, Mann's resemblance to a young Liev Schreiber landed him his first job as teenage Ray Donovan. His experience on the set of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza further honed his skills for his role in Masters of the Air, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.
Rosenthal, part of the Eighth Air Force’s 100th Bomb Group, formed strong bonds with fellow airmen due to the group's high losses, earning them the nickname “Bloody 100th.” Mann and his co-stars developed a similar camaraderie on set, delving into the weighty material of the series.
Mann delved deep into Rosenthal's real-life story, drawing from interviews and personal accounts to understand his character's journey. He uncovered anecdotes like the squad flying in their underwear due to the heat during training in Texas.
Despite his character's late introduction in the series, Mann participated in boot camp with the cast, fostering a sense of brotherhood akin to the characters they portrayed. The immersive experience, led by military advisor Dale Dye, provided invaluable insights into the lives of B-17 pilots.
Mann's dedication to portraying Rosenthal's exceptional piloting skills led him to extensive research and practical training, including using a flight simulator. His commitment to authenticity and attention to detail shines through in his portrayal of the skilled B-17 pilot in Masters of the Air.
