Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London had the privilege of holding an advance screening of the Lionsgate’s film “Hunter Killer” at the Dealey Center Theater, Oct. 20.

The screening was attended by the star of the film, Gerard Butler and the movie’s director, Donovan Marsh.

“It took eight years to make this film,” said Butler. “It’s been difficult, but it’s been a labor of love. And there is no place I would rather preview this film than right here for the very people it’s about!”

Before the movie premier, Butler and Marsh, met with Sailors from each of SUBASE’s homeported submarines and tenant commands.

“We filmed a lot of the scenes on actual submarines,” said Marsh. “There are real Sailors in the background. I want you to look closely during the film and see if you can tell the Sailors from the actors.”

For Sailors like Seaman Ray Peña it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a sneak peak of a movie paying tribute to their work and their lives as submariners, as well as talk to the star of the movie itself.

“It was really amazing to see,” said Peña, who saw it with his wife. “The fact we get to see it first and meet the star is really cool. It’s great!”

When the film concluded and the credits began to roll, the more than 1,300 Sailors and family members in attendance gave a standing ovation and cheered, all turning to face Butler himself, who was seated in the balcony above, to applaud him directly.

“Hunter Killer” is based on the 2012 novel “Firing Point” by author and war historian Don Keith and George Wallace.

The movie is scheduled to be released Oct. 26.

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