Tom Hanks will portray Abraham Lincoln in the upcoming film adaptation of George Saunders’ Lincoln in the Bardo, directed by Duke Johnson. Here’s everything we know so far.
Tom Hanks is set to play Abraham Lincoln in the upcoming film adaptation of Lincoln in the Bardo, based on George Saunders’ bestselling novel.
More about the film adaptation
The Oscar-winning actor will also serve as producer on the project through his banner Playtone, alongside longtime collaborator Gary Goetzman. The film will be directed by Duke Johnson, best known for the critically acclaimed stop-motion drama Anomalisa, while Saunders himself is adapting his Booker Prize-winning novel for the screen.
Set in the aftermath of the death of Lincoln’s young son Willie, Lincoln in the Bardo unfolds in a graveyard where restless spirits — trapped in a liminal state known as the “bardo” — grapple with grief, memory and unresolved longing. At the emotional core of the story is President Lincoln’s profound sorrow, as he confronts personal loss amid the immense pressures of leading a nation through the Civil War.
All about Lincoln in the Bardo
The novel, celebrated for its experimental structure and deeply human themes, blends historical fact with supernatural elements, offering a haunting meditation on love, mortality and letting go. The film adaptation is expected to follow a distinctive visual approach, combining live-action with stop-motion animation, reflecting the book’s surreal narrative style.
For Hanks, the role marks his first portrayal of a U.S. president, adding another iconic historical figure to his celebrated filmography. Production details, including casting and release timelines, are yet to be announced.
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