Tom Hanks is about to take on one of the most defining roles of his career. The two-time Oscar winner will portray Abraham Lincoln in the upcoming film adaptation of ‘Lincoln in the Bardo‘, which marks the first time he has ever stepped into the role of a U.S. president on screen.
Given his impressive resume so far, Tom Hanks has proven time and again that he can handle challenging roles. As production prepares to begin, how will Hanks bring this deeply human side of Lincoln to the screen?
Tom Hanks To Portray Abraham Lincoln In ‘Lincoln In The Bardo’ Adaptation
Hanks will star as Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, in Starburns Industries’ live-action/stop-motion animation hybrid adaptation of ‘Lincoln in the Bardo‘. The film is based on George Saunders’ celebrated novel, which became a New York Times bestseller and won the 2017 Booker Prize.
Although Hanks has built a career playing compelling figures in period films, including pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and Walt Disney, he has never portrayed a U.S. president until now. In addition to acting, Hanks will produce the film. His behind-the-scenes involvement shows how strongly he believes in the project.
Related: 10 Must-Watch Political Drama Films Based On Real Events
President Lincoln’s life has been explored in films and books, but ‘Lincoln in the Bardo‘ focuses on Lincoln’s relationship with his recently deceased 11-year-old son. This angle gives the story a deeply human side that audiences rarely see in historical dramas. It is one of the most intimate and difficult aspects of the President’s life.
After the death of his young son, Lincoln visits the cemetery where his child is buried. The story unfolds in a place called the “bardo,” which represents a space between life and death.
As the narrative moves forward, Lincoln encounters a range of characters, some based on history and others imagined. These characters help tell a larger story about love, loss, and the strength people find during moments of grief. The best part is that the movie will use both live action and stop-motion animation to bring this unusual setting to life.
A Star-Studded Cast Joins Tom Hanks
George Saunders is adapting his own novel for the screenplay, which helps keep the heart of the original story intact. Duke Johnson, who earned an Oscar nomination for ‘Anomalisa‘, will direct and produce the film. Besides, his experience with stop-motion storytelling makes him a strong choice for this project.
In case you missed it: Top 15 Cult Classic Films That Were Box-Office Disasters
Johnson will also produce alongside Paul Young and Devon Young Rabinowitz for Starburns Industries. Steven Shareshian, Aaron Mitchell, and Saunders will serve as executive producers. Notably, this movie is the first project to move forward since Starburns Industries announced its new film fund earlier this month.
Altogether, Tom Hanks’ casting as Abraham Lincoln is at the center of this adaptation. The film promises to show a well-known president in a deeply personal light and reveal a father struggling with loss while carrying the weight of a nation.
You might also like to read: Forrest Gump’s Most Legendary Moment Exists Only Because Tom Hanks Decided To Save It At Any Cost
