Tom Hanks, the Oscar-winning actor, will star as former President Abraham Lincoln in the movie adaptation of ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ by Starburns Industries. Hanks will not only act but also produce the film under his Playtone label alongside Gary Goetzman. The screenplay is being adapted by George Saunders, with Duke Johnson, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, set to direct and produce the project.
This isn’t Hanks’ first time portraying a real-life character, having played roles like astronaut Jim Lovell and hero pilot Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger. However, this will be his first time embodying a U.S. President. The film will focus on Abraham Lincoln’s relationship with his deceased 11-year-old son, blending stop-motion animation and live-action to delve into themes of love, empathy, and human resilience amidst profound grief.
The production of ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ aims to explore the personal side of President Lincoln’s life, contrasting with the more commonly depicted historical events like the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. The movie will feature an ensemble cast of characters, both real and fictional, living and dead, to convey the emotional depth of the story. The filming will be done in London, marking the first project to commence production under Starburns Industries’ film fund.
