Tom Hanks as Abraham Lincoln in Hybrid Film - Tom Hanks to Play a Grieving Abraham Lincoln in Bold New Film Adaptation
Tom Hanks will star as Abraham Lincoln in a new film adaptation of Lincoln in the Bardo. The project marks his first time portraying a U.S. president on screen. Production is set to take place in London under Starburns Industries, with a unique mix of live-action and movies planned.
The film draws from George Saunders' 2017 Man Booker Prize-winning novel, which reimagined Lincoln as a man consumed by grief rather than just a political icon. The story unfolds through a multi-voice narrative, blending ghostly perspectives and historical fragments to explore the president's sorrow after his son Willie's death during the Civil War.
Duke Johnson, director of Anomalisa, will lead the adaptation, combining live-action scenes featuring Hanks with animated sequences. Hanks is also producing alongside Johnson and Gary Goetzman, deepening his involvement in the project.
This role adds to Hanks' recent portrayals of Lincoln, including Steven Spielberg's 2012 biopic and the Apple TV+ series Manhunt. The film's hybrid style aims to capture the novel's surreal, emotional depth while staying true to its unconventional storytelling.
The adaptation will bring Saunders' acclaimed novel to life with a bold visual approach. Hanks' dual role as star and producer underscores the project's ambition. Filming in London is expected to begin soon, with Starburns Industries overseeing production.
