'Sully' tells story beyond 'Miracle on the Hudson'

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger became an American hero back in 2009 because of something now known as the "Miracle on the Hudson," but that's not where his story ends.

Sullenberger recalls the events of Jan. 15, 2009, when U.S. Airways Flight 1549 was in serious trouble. The captain glided the disabled plane right onto the Hudson River, saving the lives of everyone on board - 155 people.

A new film, "Sully," is based on his book, "Higher Duty."

"...Giving someone the right to tell your life story is a real leap of faith, but I think that faith was rewarded," Sullenberger said.

Clint Eastwood, who is directing the film, explained the captain's heroic move is a day that has not been forgotten.

"I remember vividly when this happened seven years ago, and how New York reacted to it so positively because it brought them out of a funk, you know?" the director said.

Tom Hanks plays Sullenberger in a story that goes beyond that miracle and into an investigation that had the potential to cost Sullenberger his job, his pension and his reputation.

"This is the thing: I'm always like, 'Whenever I'm in an audience in a movie theater, I want to see something that I'm not expecting,'" Hanks added. "And this movie is choc-a-block with stuff that you don't expect."

"Sully" is new to theaters Friday, and it is rated PG-13.