Tom Hanks is the Perfect Mr. Rogers In First Set Photo
Picture this: It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood and Tom Hanks is casually strolling down the streets dressed to the nines as Mister Rogers. I don’t think I could picture a more wholesome image in my head if I tried, to be honest. Well, the first photo of Hanks on the set of his upcoming film You are My Friend as the iconic children’s show host as surfaced, and while it’s not necessarily a surprise, Hanks has proven once again that he can transform into just about any famous human being. Donning Mr. Roger’s classic red sweater, khakis, and blue sneakers, Hanks looks like he’s ready to nurture the minds and hearts of children everywhere.
Tom Hanks is Mister Rogers, coming to a neighborhood near you October 2019. pic.twitter.com/2TP3eiPUCx
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) September 27, 2018
You Are My Friend is “inspired by a real-life friendship between Rogers (Hanks) and award-winning journalist Tom Junod, who will be played by American star Matthew Rhys. The cynical journalist begrudgingly accepts an assignment to write a profile piece on the beloved TV icon Mr. Rogers and finds his perspective on life transformed.” The screenplay, which originally wound up on the 2013 Black List, was written by Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster. It will be directed by Diary of a Teenage Girl’s Marielle Heller.
Hanks has always been stellar when channeling real-life men and heroes. Most recently he has taken on the role of Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks, esteemed pilot Chesley Sullenberger in Sully, Captain Richard Phillips in Captain Phillips, and James B. Donovan in Bridge of Spies. His beloved reputation in Hollywood and superb talent makes him the perfect choice to take on the role of Rogers.
Mister Rogers’ Neighboorhood was on the air for an astounding 31 seasons and 895 episodes, winning 2 Daytime Emmy Awards and the 1969 Peabody Award along the way. In 1969, Rogers famously appeared before the United States Senate Subcommittee on Communications in an effort to support funding for PBS. You can watch his powerful statement in full below.
https://youtu.be/yXEuEUQIP3Q
Tom Hanks and all of his Mr. Rogers glory will hit theaters Oct. 19, 2019!
Having studied Media & Writing at James Madison University, I always knew that I wanted to do some type of creative writing, but being able to write about zombies, Starks, and superheroes on a daily basis for Fan Fest is my actual dream. While I probably shouldn’t be as proud as I am to be so similar to Nick Miller, I do hope to one day write my own “Pepperwood Chronicles’.
