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Taking Chance

Taking Chance is a 2009 American historical drama television film directed by Ross Katz and based on the journal of U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Taking Chance is a 2009 American historical drama television film directed by Ross Katz and based on the journal of U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl. The film stars Kevin Bacon as Strobl, who volunteers to escort the body of Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown in Wyoming. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and aired on HBO in 2009.

Premise

Taking Chance dramatizes Michael Strobl’s escort of fallen Marine Chance Phelps’ remains from military facilities to Phelps’ hometown. The film focuses on military funeral rituals and the reactions of ordinary people encountered along the journey.

Production

Ross Katz directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Strobl, drawing on Strobl’s journal. Strobl also served as a military consultant on the production.

Release

The film premiered at Sundance in January 2009 and then aired on HBO in February 2009. It was later distributed through home-viewing and streaming platforms.

Reception

Taking Chance received critical attention, particularly for Kevin Bacon’s performance. Bacon’s portrayal earned him both a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Key facts

  • Based on the real-life journal of Lt. Col. Michael Strobl.
  • Kevin Bacon stars as Strobl in the lead role.
  • Premiered at Sundance on January 16, 2009, and aired on HBO on February 21, 2009.
  • Follows Strobl's journey escorting the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps to Dubois, Wyoming.
  • Kevin Bacon won a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance.

Frequently asked questions

What is Taking Chance about?
It is about Lt. Col. Michael Strobl escorting the body of Marine Chance Phelps back to Phelps’ hometown in Wyoming.
Is Taking Chance based on a true story?
Yes. It is based on Michael Strobl’s journal and on real events involving the repatriation of Chance Phelps’ remains.
Who directed Taking Chance?
The film was directed by Ross Katz.
Who stars in Taking Chance?
Kevin Bacon stars as Lt. Col. Michael Strobl.
When was Taking Chance released?
It premiered at Sundance on January 16, 2009, and aired on HBO on February 21, 2009.
What awards did the film win?
Kevin Bacon won a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taking_Chance
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, writer, based-on source, premiere and HBO air date, and Kevin Bacon awards.
  2. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/movies/taking-chance/2000350331/
    Supports: Runtime, genre, director, and release-year information.
  3. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/taking-chance/umc.cmc.4u3z9f3jbt27sk7deh21ivtil
    Supports: Plot summary, director, screenplay credits, source material, and 2009 release year.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1019454/
    Supports: Plot synopsis identifying Michael Strobl and Chance Phelps and the film's true-story basis.
  5. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOGReFDkLwo
    Supports: Trailer description, Sundance selection, and HBO premiere information.
  6. Vietnam Veterans of America — https://vva.org/arts-of-war/feature-films/hbos-taking-chance-one-great-film/
    Supports: Real-life context of Chance Phelps and Michael Strobl's escort duty.