The all-star cast of Spielberg series Masters of the Air

The Masters of the Air, to be released later this year, is a drama which follows American bomber pilots stationed in East Anglia during the Second World War.

Based on Donald L Miller’s book, the series follows the success of the Emmy award-winning Band of Brothers and The Pacific, also produced by Spielberg and Hanks.

The series is being produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg (Image: PA)

In the leading role of Major Gale Cleven is Golden Globe winner Austin Butler, who recently rose to fame for portraying Elvis Presley in the musical biopic Elvis, which was nominated for eight Oscars including Butler as best actor.

Barry Keoghan, who was Oscar-nominated for his performance in Banshees of Inisherin, is starring as Lt Curtis Biddick. 

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Also in the cast are Ncuti Gatwa from Sex Education and Doctor Who, Callum Turner from Fantastic Beasts and Emma, Anthony Boyle from Derry Girls and Tolkien, and Fionn O'Shea from Normal People and Handsome Devil.

While the series was filmed in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, much of the story is set in Norfolk.

Barry Keoghan and Callum Turner also star (Image: PA)

During the Second World War, around 50,000 American military personnel served on 18 airbases within Norfolk - known as the “friendly invasion”.

The US Eighth Air Force occupied bases in Attlebridge, Bodney, Deopham Green, East Wretham, Hardwick, Hethel, Horsham St Faith, North Pickenham, Old Buckenham, Rackheath, Seething, Shipdham, Snetterton Heath, Thorpe Abbotts, Tibenham, Watton and Wendling.

The 'Mighty Eighth' suffered more killed in action during the war than the Marine Corps and risked flying at 25,000ft - in daylight - to unleash 697,000 tonnes of bombs on Hitler’s doorstep.

The Masters of the Air will be released later this year on Apple TV+.