“It’s Almost Baffling”: Why Rosie Reenlists After 25 Missions Explained By Masters Of The Air Star

Masters of the Air star Nate Mann explains why Rosie reenlists after completing his 25 missions in the Apple TV Plus limited series. Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks as a Playtone-Amblin production, Masters of the Air chronicles the true story of the 100th Bomb Group during World War II. The well-reviewed series stars Mann as Lt. Robert “Rosie” Rosenthal, and the character is one of the lucky few who completes his 25 mandatory bombing missions. Despite having earned himself a ticket home, Rosie decides to continue his service.

In a recent interview with THR following the Masters of the Air finale, Mann breaks down why Rosie decides to reenlist and rejoin the fight. Read his full comment below:

“Initially, I didn’t know what to make of it. It’s almost baffling to think about the odds, the statistics, the numbers, and, of course, the harrowing nature of what those 25 missions were for him. But, at the end of the day, it felt simple for him. Going back was just not an option for him.

“I don’t think he would have ever been able to sit with himself back home and also go on these tours where he’s talking to new recruits if he knew that the base he left was filled with young men who needed guidance from someone with the experience to be able to glue the unit together.

“His personal fortitude is extraordinary, but it says something about his fortitude as a leader of the 100th and of these men. He said to himself, ‘No, I need to be here and I need to be here for them.’ So that’s what I made of it.”

More to come…