John Travolta had fans doing a double take after unveiling a striking new look while heading to one of the biggest nights of his career — alongside his daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta.
The Hollywood icon shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their travels on social media as the father-daughter duo prepared to jet off to the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on Friday, May 15, in Cannes, France.
Travolta Sported a Beard
In the Instagram video, the pair appeared excited as they boarded a private plane for the glamorous event.
Travolta’s updated appearance immediately caught fans’ attention.
The “Pulp Fiction” star sported a beard and a beret, giving him a noticeably different style than fans are used to seeing.
The fresh look quickly sparked conversation online as he prepared for a major milestone in his career.
The trip to Cannes marks an especially meaningful occasion for the 72-year-old actor, who is celebrating his directorial debut with “Propeller One-Way Night Coach.”
The film, which Travolta wrote, directed, narrated, and produced, received its world premiere at the prestigious festival.
Adding an extra special layer to the moment, Ella Bleu stars in the project alongside Clark Shotwell, Kelly Eviston-Quinnett, and Olga Hoffmann.
The film is adapted from Travolta’s 1997 book of the same name and follows a young aviation enthusiast named Jeff and his mother as they travel cross-country to Hollywood.
The movie is set to premiere on Apple TV on May 29.
Travolta Was Flying the Plane
Before stepping onto the red carpet, Travolta gave fans a peek at the journey itself.
In the sweet social media clip, the actor was seen inside the cockpit, personally flying the plane as they made their way overseas.
Fans enjoyed seeing Travolta and his daughter together.
“Congratulations to you and Ella. Have a wonderful time,” one wrote.
Another added, “Congratulations on your new chapter as Director in your new movie Propeller One Way Night Coach, as well congrats to Ella in her starring role.”
For longtime fans, it was a fitting moment, considering aviation has been one of Travolta’s biggest passions for decades.
Travolta first became a licensed pilot at just 22 years old and has spent years expanding his aviation knowledge and certifications.
He has also served as an ambassador for Qantas Airways since 2002 and is qualified to operate several different aircraft.
Travolta and Ella Bleu Walked the Red Carpet
Once in France, Travolta and Ella Bleu made a stylish appearance on the Cannes red carpet to promote their film together, marking a proud family moment.
The event became even more memorable when festival director Thierry Frémaux surprised Travolta with an honorary Palme d’Or.
“You said this would be a special night, but I didn’t think you meant this,” Travolta said while accepting the recognition, per the Hollywood Reporter. “This is a humbling moment. This is beyond the Oscar.”
For Travolta, the Cannes celebration represented more than just another film premiere.
Between introducing a deeply personal project, sharing the spotlight with his daughter, and receiving a major honor, the evening proved to be one unforgettable milestone in the actor’s decades-long career.
