Tom Hanks is at it again. Just when everyone thought he’d played every iconic American possible, he’s back with another surprise. After playing Walt Disney, Captain Phillips, and Sully, he’s taken on the role of Mr. Rogers. The first trailer for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was just released by Sony and the film will follow a journalist who writes a profile on Mr. Rogers. It stars Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Chris Cooper and is directed by Marielle Heller (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) . A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will be in theaters on November 22nd. I know what I’ll be doing for Thanksgiving! (getting emotional over a Tom Hanks movie)
Elvis Biopic Finds a Star
Baz Luhrmann has officially cast an Elvis in his upcoming biopic of the iconic musician. Early this month, reports stated that Harry Styles, Miles Teller, Austin Butler, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson were all in talks for the role. It’s now been confirmed by Deadline that Austin Butler (The Carrie Diaries, The Dead Don’t Die) will be playing “The King.” In another bit of casting info, Tom Hanks will be playing Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The still untitled biopic will focus on Elvis’ rise from rags to riches as a global superstar. It will begin filming next year in Australia.
See Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
91 years ago today, Fred Rogers was born. There are many ways to celebrate his birthday. You could watch the excellent documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor that was just released last year. You could look up some old Mr. Rogers clips on Youtube. Or you could do something that Mr. Rogers encouraged and be kind to everyone around you. A nice little gift for Mr. Rogers birthday is this new picture that Sony Pictures has released of Tom Hanks portraying the TV icon for the upcoming biopic, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is directed by Mirielle Heller (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) and will tell the true story of a cynical journalist (played by Matthew Rhys) who is sent to write a profile on Fred Rogers. His time spent with Mr. Rogers changes his outlook on life. This role will continue the THPAAI (Tom Hanks plays an American Icon) trend that we have been seeing the last few years. He’s played Walt Disney, Captain Phillips, Chesley Sullenberger, and now, Mr. Rogers. He’s on a roll! A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will be in theaters on November 22nd. That’s prime Oscar season. Get excited.