He wanted to focus on the brotherhood, the strength of the families, the bravery and the camaraderie. “I know in telling the story, I had their hearts in my hands and I wasn’t going to let them down,” said Menchel. He returned 10 times and got to know the families. He eventually was introduced to Amanda Marsh (portrayed by Jennifer Connelly) and McDonough. “I was the guy who just rode into town and everyone was skeptical of me, which I understood,” said Menchel, who said the story of these brave men just wouldn’t leave him. Menchel told Deadline he felt driven to tell the story of this bravery. Only days after the tragedy that left only one man from the team alive - Brendan McDonough (portrayed by Miles Teller in the film) - producer Mike Menchel flew to Prescott, AZ. The story seemed destined to be told on the big screen. The film, which honors all 19 firefighters, came together in a very serendipitous way.

EXCLUSIVE: Only the Brave, the incredible story of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who fought and died during the 2013 Yarnell Hill fire in Arizona, is releasing into theaters this weekend as fires continue to rage throughout California.

Only the brave cast 2017 dustin deford