Tom Hanks, aka the nicest man in the world, is going to play someone known for being the friendliest neighbor ever.
The veteran actor has reached an agreement to play Mr. Rogers in the upcoming biopic “You Are My Friend,” Variety reports.
Tom Hanks’ Mr. Rogers biopic ‘You Are My Friend’ lands at TriStar (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/L0ioxMgh1K pic.twitter.com/ZK7i0OiVbQ
— Variety (@Variety) January 29, 2018
If anyone can pull off the classic charm that Fred Rogers was known for during his children’s show, it’s Hanks. The movie will reportedly center on Rogers changing a reporter’s worldview, and the two developing a friendship following the writer receiving an assignment to write a feature on Rogers.
Known for being a genuinely charming person, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Hanks filling the shoes of Rogers, especially in the context of changing someone’s entire worldview and giving them a positive outlook.
Not only does the actor actually somewhat resemble the icon, but he has experience portraying real people. Hanks appeared in “The Post” this past year, which is currently nominated for Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards. He has also portrayed real people in “Saving Mr. Banks,” “Apollo 13,” “Sully,” “Captain Phillips” and “Charlie Wilson’s War.”
The movie will be directed by Marielle Heller. It is unclear yet when a possible release date may be, but it is believed production will start in September, putting the movie’s release likely well over a year away.