Take a first look at the new Disney+ film starring Hollywood A-lister John Travolta, featuring a Suffolk airbase. 

The film star was spotted several times in East Anglia last year while he was in the area filming the short film The Shepherd at Raynham Hangar Studios, near Fakenham.

East Anglian Daily Times: John Travolta, was spotted in Norfolk, has recorded a film based on a Suffolk airbaseJohn Travolta, was spotted in Norfolk, has recorded a film based on a Suffolk airbase (Image: PA)

The movie is based on a book by Frederick Forsyth, a former reporter at the East Anglian Daily Times, that the 69-year-old actor says he has "always loved".

The book is a 1975 novella about the pilot of a De Havilland Vampire jet travelling from RAF Celle in Germany to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, when his plane has an electrical failure.

The pilot encounters a De Havilland Mosquito bomber over the North Sea which has apparently been sent to shepherd him home.

The story, set in Christmas 1957, follows how the pilot is guided to a safe landing and his efforts to identify the pilot who saved him.

The trailer has now been released for The Shepherd, with the film available to watch on the streaming platform from December 1, 2023. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Novelist Frederick ForsythNovelist Frederick Forsyth (Image: PA)

The synopsis says: "On Christmas Eve, a young Royal Air Force pilot flying home across the North Sea finds himself in peril when his radio and electric power cut out, leaving him stranded and running on limited fuel.

"Just when it appears his luck is about to run out, a mysterious good Samaritan guides him to safety."

A spokesman for RAF Lakenheath said: "Though the 48th Fighter Wing was not stationed at RAF Lakenheath during the timeframe the book takes place in, we hope the movie highlights the importance of the base and its critical role in NATO defence."

This is not the first time a film that was based on an adaptation of one of Forsyth's books was recorded in the area as parts of The Fourth Protocol were filmed in Ipswich.

East Anglian Daily Times: Two helicopters flew onto The Wet Dock at Ipswich after flying through the legs of the Orwell Bridge during filming for the Fourth ProtocolTwo helicopters flew onto The Wet Dock at Ipswich after flying through the legs of the Orwell Bridge during filming for the Fourth Protocol (Image: Newsquest)

In 1986, Ipswich docks was closed off to the public, trucks were moved in and big cameras were set up with props and cars all in place for a day of filming, which featured Michael Caine.

Two helicopters were flown in to make an entrance, travelling past the Orwell Bridge and other Suffolk landmarks.