Inspired by true events, "Lucky Strike" follows a soldier played by Eastwood, who becomes trapped behind enemy lines during the final major German offensive of the war, known as the Battle of the Bulge.
The film premiered with a special guest in attendance: 107-year-old Battle of the Bulge veteran Colonel Herb Stern, who appeared alongside Lurie and his wife, Kyra.
Lurie said the film honors veterans like Stern, who he described as "a guy that destroyed the Nazi advance in the town of Marche and then liberated a female concentration camp. And this one was for him. This movie is for people like him."
Eastwood said the story reflects values associated with that generation.
"When you say you're going to do something, that's all you have in this life," he said. "If you say you're going to do something, you deliver and you be the best at it. You are only as good as your reputation, as your word, and that's from the generation that we're honoring."
The actor initially turned down the role before reading the script. After reconsidering, he took on the project, filming in the cold mountains of Bulgaria during December.
"It's good to be challenged," Eastwood said. "I think, you know, anything too comfortable is not probably worth doing. Good art typically comes from a place of uncomfortability [sic]. And that's what happens."
Lurie said the conditions on set were difficult, noting Eastwood's commitment during production.
"It was not comfortable," he said. "Scott could have gone to his trailer between shots. He stuck it out with the crew, which is what a leader does in that cold. And it was really tough but he pulled it out beautifully."
"Lucky Strike" opens in theaters Friday, June 26.