John Travolta and his daughter Ella are set to share the screen for the first time.
The father-daughter duo will star together in the upcoming action thriller Black Tides, alongside Scream star Melissa Barrera.
The film follows an estranged father (played by John) trying to reconnect with his daughter Rebecca (Melissa) and grandson Sebastian (Dylan Torrell) when their boat is attacked by orcas off the Spanish coast.
An industry insider told Woman’s Day Ella had always been hesitant to work with her famous dad, but after a few difficult years, John wanted to give her the encouragement she needed.
“John and Ella are so excited about working together – it was something they vowed to never do, mostly because Ella’s trying to avoid any nepo tags. But she’s had a tough time after her Cinderella movie was shelved and John’s tired of her wasting away in indie movie hell,” the insider said.
Kelly Preston, John’s late wife and Ella’s mother, passed away in 2020 after a private battle with breast cancer. In 2009, Ella’s older brother Jett tragically died after suffering a seizure.
Since Kelly’s death, John, Ella and 14-year-old Benjamin have formed an unbreakable bond, supporting one another through their grief and finding strength in family.
“They will never get over their family losses, but for Ella who’s started dating and is looking into moving into her own place, she’s been really feeling the hole left by her mum, which is why John’s being extra supportive of her,” the source revealed.
“Working alongside her beloved dad is just what she needs right now. It’s brought them closer and they’re having a blast rehearsing. It’s definitely helping Ella’s confidence but the biggest plus is it’s helping them both grow and heal from losing Kelly five years ago – something that still feels very raw.”
Earlier this month, John paid tribute to Kelly on what would have been her 63rd birthday, sharing a touching video of himself singing Come Rain, Come Shine over a photo of his late wife holding a bouquet of flowers.
“Recorded this song for Kelly and I want to share it with you all on her birthday. Happy birthday Kelly, we love you. – John, Ella and Ben,” he wrote.
He also remembered his late son Jett in 2022 with a heartfelt throwback post on what would have been his 30th birthday.
“My dearest Jetty, I miss you more than words can say. I think about you every day. Happy Birthday. Love, your Dad,” John wrote.
Image: Instagram
