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‘#SKYKING’ trailer shows true story of man who stole commercial jetliner

The key art for ‘#SKYKING.’ (ABC News)

The trailer for the documentary thriller film #SKYKING has arrived.

This new documentary from ABC News Studios tells the story of Richard “Beebo” Russell, a 28-year-old Horizon Air ground service agent who stole a $33 million plane and embarked on a 70-minute long flight.

Emmy winner Patricia E. Gillespie directed the film, which, along with telling the story of Russell, also offers a look into the U.S. mental health crisis.

This documentary also marks the first time many members of Russell’s family have spoken publicly about his story. It includes never-before-heard air traffic control audio, as well as an interview with the now-retired ATC supervisor who managed the situation on the 2018 day that the incident occurred.

The trailer finds interviewees wondering how Russell was able to get the vehicle into the air all by himself despite never having flown an airplane before.

“I play video games, so, you know, I know what I’m doing a little bit,” Russell said in air-traffic control audio used in the trailer.

#SKYKING premieres on Hulu April 14.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Andy Austin

Andy Austin here and thank you for clicking! It’s great to be back in Sanford after 25 years. Growing up here, I’ve spent the majority of my working life in radio. Had it not been for Media Technology at the Sanford Vocation Center and the doors that opened soon after, there’s no telling where I would have gone. With Seacoast Oldies, it’s a pleasure to help serve the community through the power and messaging of radio. Aside from broadcasting, I’ve worked extensively with NASCAR in various roles, but my real passion is cycling. Road, gravel, and fat tire cycling make up a lot of the time I spend outdoors. My girlfriend Heather and I have two rescue animals in Brandon the cat and Ollie Walter the Bernedoodle.

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