Credit: Hulu / Youtube

First published in 1961, Catch-22 author Joseph Heller set his iconic novel in World War II in the years of 1942 to 1944. Considered one of the most significant stories in the twentieth century, it follows the life of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier and the events of the fictional 256th Squadron, in an honest and satirical manner. Now, just under 60 years later and streaming service Hulu has brought the characters and plot to life.

Teased in a first trailer, Catch-22 appears to be recount on war like no other. While films such as Saving Private Ryan and Pearl Harbour illustrated devastation and the horror of battle, and War Machine examined the military-industrial complex with a satirical spin, this latest retelling depicts the true insanity of the time. From bureaucratic red tape, incompetent leadership and a corrupt system, perhaps the most important and relevant issue brought to life is the degrading mental health of all involved.

According to the official synopsis: “More than the retreating Germans, the real enemy for Yossarian and his rag-tag bunch of friends is the bureaucracy of the military, inverting logic at every turn. The pinnacle of this is Catch-22, a military by-law which states that if you fly your missions, you’re crazy, and don’t have to fly them; all you have to do is ask. But if you as not to, then you’re sane, and so you have to fly them.”

Documented in a mini-series, the cast is lead by director and executive producer George Clooney who plays Lieutenant Scheisskopf, while the main man Christopher Abbott plays Captain Yossarian. Other stars include, Hugh Laurie and Kyle Chandler.

Set to premiere on May 17, watch the trailer below.