Capt. Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, the pilot who saved 155 lives by landing a plane on the Hudson River in 2009 after dual engine failure, says Tom Hanks "did a great job" playing him in Sully.
Hanks sported a full head of white-grey hair and dyed his moustache and eyebrows for the part and the hero pilot says his wife, Lorrie Sullenberger, was also impressed with the actor's transformation.
Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment, Capt. Sully said: "My wife saw Tom on the set in New York from a distance from behind and thought 'Oh my gosh, his hair looks just like Sully's'.
"Tom is such a master of his craft. It was such a nuanced portrayal. I couldn't tell you exactly all of the techniques he used but he obviously resembles me. He did a great job," he added.
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Capt. Sully, who has since retired from aviation and is now working as a safety consultant in the health sector, says he is glad the story of the fateful and freezing January afternoon was retold by acclaimed director, Clint Eastwood.
"He's a veteran, a wonderful and very talented filmmaker. I was glad it was in his hands to tell this story," 65-year-old Sullenberger said.
"When we met for the first time he wanted to reassure me that he would take care of us and that he would treat the story with the respect it deserved.
"We didn't have too much to worry about. Giving someone the right to tell your story is like giving them the keys and watching them drive off with it - but it turns out Clint is a good driver," he added.
The retired pilot, who lives with his wife and two daughters in California, also revealed he is of Irish heritage and says he wishes he knew more about his connection to the Emerald Isle.
"I couldn't tell you from which county my heritage stems back to but it comes from my mother's side. Her maiden name was 'Hanna' and I'm proud to have it," he said.
Sully is in cinemas nationwide from Friday, December 2.
You can read our five-star review of the movie here
