Hulu Sets April Premiere for Richard 'Beebo' Russell Documentary ‘#SkyKing’ Following SXSW Debut

The Richard 'Beebo' Russell documentary #SkyKing will premiere on Hulu this April, featuring exclusive family interviews and never-before-heard audio.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 10:03 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Variety

Reclaiming a Narrative of Working Class Despair

The upcoming documentary "#SkyKing" aims to move beyond the viral headlines of August 2018 to provide a complex portrait of Richard Russell. At 28 years old, the ground service agent shocked the world by stealing a commercial plane for a 70 minute flight that ultimately resulted in a fatal crash. Director Patricia E. Gillespie spent five years working closely with the Russell family to navigate their grief and address the public's perception of the event. The film's logline suggests that Russell's story has come to symbolize the "hopes, dreams, and despair of the American working class."

Exclusive Family Participation and Unreleased Audio

For the first time, Russell’s family members will share their perspectives on screen. The documentary also features interviews with Colleen, the retired Air Traffic Control supervisor who communicated with Russell during his flight, as well as his childhood best friend and a former coworker. A central element of the film is the inclusion of never before heard air traffic control audio, providing a more intimate look at Russell’s state of mind during his final hour in the air.

A Collaborative Production Effort

"#SkyKing" is a production of Fifth Season and Quite Contrary Pictures, created specifically for ABC News Studios. Gillespie, who also serves as a producer alongside Christopher G. Cowen, described the project as an "urgent attempt to reclaim working class humanity from caricature." The executive production team includes Mary Lisio, Claire Weinraub, and David Sloan. The film is set to make its world premiere at the SXSW 2026 festival prior to its streaming release.