June 6: Con Air (1997)

Milestone Years

• 30th Anniversary: June 6, 2027
• 40th Anniversary: June 6, 2037
• 50th Anniversary: June 6, 2047

Inspiration Behind the Movie

The concept for Con Air was inspired by a Los Angeles Times article detailing the U.S. Marshals’ real-life prisoner transport system, known as JPATS (Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System). Screenwriter Scott Rosenberg was tasked with crafting a story that wasn’t just “Die Hard on a plane,” leading to the creation of Cameron Poe’s journey—a man trying to reunite with his family while navigating a hijacked prison aircraft.

You Might Not Know

• The climactic plane crash was filmed at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas just before its scheduled demolition, allowing the production to capture authentic destruction.
• Actor Jason Isaacs auditioned for the role of Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom, but the part ultimately went to John Malkovich.
• Three actual C-123 aircraft were used during filming; one was later donated to the Historic Wendover Airfield Foundation and remains on display.
• The film’s soundtrack features “How Do I Live” by Trisha Yearwood, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
• Director Simon West aimed for a timeless aesthetic, avoiding specific 90s trends to give the film a classic action movie feel.

Food Ideas

• Southern Fried Chicken: A nod to Cameron Poe’s Alabama roots.
• Prison Loaf Sliders: A gourmet twist on the infamous prison meal.
• Airplane Peanuts & Pretzels: Classic in-flight snacks to set the mood.
• “How Do I Live” Lemonade: A sweet and tangy drink inspired by the film’s theme song.
• “Jailbird” Jambalaya: A hearty dish representing the diverse backgrounds of the convicts onboard.

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a 90s Action Movie Marathon: Pair Con Air with other classics like The Rock and Face/Off.
• Dress as Your Favorite Character: Embrace the styles of Poe, Cyrus, or Garland Greene for a themed party.
• “Put the Bunny Back in the Box” Game: Create a fun challenge inspired by one of the film’s iconic lines.
• Soundtrack Sing-Along: Belt out “How Do I Live” and other songs from the movie’s soundtrack.
• DIY Airplane Cocktails: Mix drinks named after characters or scenes, like the “Cyrus the Virus” or “Lerner Landing.”

Filming Locations

• Wendover Airfield, Utah: Served as the fictional Lerner Airfield; the site now houses the donated C-123 aircraft used in the film.
• Salt Lake City International Airport: Doubled as Oakland Airport for the prisoner boarding scenes.
• Ogden Airport, Utah: Used for the Carson City prisoner exchange sequences.
• Las Vegas Strip: The plane crash scene was filmed here, utilizing the Sands Hotel before its demolition.
• Hollywood Center Studios, California: Interior shots of the aircraft were filmed on soundstage #7.

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