Richard Russell, a 28-year-old ground service agent for Horizon Air, stole a $33 million plane and chose death over prison as a way to escape his personal prison of depression. However, Russell did not attempt to land the plane. The film, "#SkyKing," attempts to emphasize Russell's humanity and themes of class and mental health. The director Patricia E. Gillespie responded to criticism that the film turned a mental health issue into a race issue, highlighting the need for caution in the media's approach to these stories. Gillespie believes the film's portrayal of Beebo reflects a range of diverse political opinions and experiences.