Here's What The Real-Life 'Sully' Looks Like

If you're like me, you sometimes assume that, if a movie is based on a true story, the lead actor probably looks identical to the person they're starring in a movie about. Unfortunately, that's not always the case, and I'm usually pretty shocked when my image of that person doesn't line up with the actor who plays them. The upcoming movie Sully is no exception. Sully is based on the true story of Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who had to emergency land U.S. Airways flight 1549 in the Hudson River in 2009. Hanks plays the eponymous Sully. He is such a talented, exceptional actor that he can virtually transform into any role... but since Polyjuice Potion doesn't exist in real life, Hanks still looks like... well... himself. So what does Sully look like in real life?

Well, Sully definitely looks like what you would think a distinguished airline captain would. Aside from the grey hair that Hanks sports in the film, and the mustache, the similarities stop there. But one thing is certain: Hanks will not only be able to embody Sully, but also he'll command the screen. I mean, it's Tom Hanks. Has there ever been a role that he couldn't play?

So let's see what the real Sully looks like, versus the Hanks iteration.

See what I mean? Doesn't he look like an airline captain?

Probably because he is one. But still.

Even though it's based on a true event, the screenplay for the film is based on the autobiography Highest Duty by Sullenberger. The book chronicles Sully's life as well as his experiences emergency landing the plane onto the Hudson, and the aftermath.

Sully is in theaters on September 9. The film, which is directed by Clint Eastwood, stars Hanks alongside Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney, and Anna Gunn. Even though Hanks doesn't look too much like the real life Sully, I'm sure he'll be able to embody the spirit of the captain. And also, maybe, make it his own.

Images: Warner Bros. Pictures