Denzel Washington’s Flight Returns to Streaming — Featuring a Future Yellowstone Star
A Classic Reintroduced
Denzel Washington is enjoying a resurgence in the spotlight. After teaming up with Spike Lee on Highest 2 Lowest, which has been topping Apple TV+ charts, one of Washington’s most acclaimed dramas is making a streaming comeback. His 2012 film Flight will be available on Tubi starting October 1, giving audiences another chance to experience one of his most complex performances.
The Story Behind Flight
In the movie, Washington plays Whip Whitaker, an airline pilot who miraculously lands a crippled plane only to face scrutiny after it’s discovered he was intoxicated. The role showcased Washington at his most raw and conflicted, earning him widespread praise.
But Flight also has a special connection for Yellowstone fans. Kelly Reilly, now famous as the fierce Beth Dutton, co-starred as Nicole, a recovering addict who forms an unlikely bond with Washington’s character. Years before her breakout in Taylor Sheridan’s ranch drama, Flight gave audiences an early glimpse of her talent and intensity.
Success On and Off Screen
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Flight marked the filmmaker’s return to live-action after a long period in motion capture projects like The Polar Express. The film grossed more than $160 million on a $30 million budget and holds a 77% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes. John Goodman also stood out in a colorful supporting role, adding texture to the film’s gritty tone.
For Washington, it cemented his reputation as an actor equally capable of commanding thrillers and nuanced dramas. For Reilly, it was one of the stepping stones on her journey to Yellowstone, where she would later redefine what a TV anti-heroine could be.
Looking Ahead
Washington is rumored to be circling a role in Ryan Coogler’s unannounced Black Panther 3, which would mark his first entry into the superhero genre. Meanwhile, Reilly continues to captivate as Beth Dutton, and her work in Flight remains a reminder of the range she brought long before she became a cornerstone of the Dutton saga.
Why It Matters to Yellowstone Fans
The return of Flight doesn’t just revive one of Washington’s strongest films—it also highlights a key piece of Kelly Reilly’s pre-Yellowstone career. Watching her alongside Washington adds a new layer for fans who know just how far she has come since 2012. For those eager to connect the dots between past roles and present icons, Flight offers both a gripping drama and a look at the evolution of one of the most compelling faces of the Yellowstone universe.