TriStar Pictures has released a new image ofTom Hanksas Mister Rogers from the upcoming filmA Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and it brings to mind a very important question: has there ever been more perfect casting than Hanks as Fred Rogers? The notorious “nice guy” actor fills the role of the notorious “nice guy” nice guy in the upcoming drama film from directorMarielle Heller, who is just coming off the terrific (and Oscar-nominated) filmCan You Ever Forgive Me?
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhoodtells the true story of a real-life friendship that blossomed between Rogers and a jaded magazine writer named Tom Junod (played byThe AmericansEmmy winnerMatthew Rhys), who is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers only to discover Rogers’ “good guy” act is no act—he’s genuinely a tremendously kind human being.
No doubt interest in this film is doubly piqued in the wake of the box office hit documentaryWon’t You Be My Neighbor?, which was bafflingly shut out of the Best Documentary Feature Oscar category. No matter, the world could use some life lessons from Fred Rogers right about now, and I’m extremely eager to see Hanks’ take on the iconic figure that could earn him his first Oscar nomination since 2001’sCast Away.
Check out the new Tom Hanks Fred Rogers image below.A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhoodwas written byTransparentscribesMicah Fitzerman-Blue&Noah Harpsterand also starsSusan Kelechi WatsonandChris Cooper. The film hits theaters on November 22nd.
Here’s the official synopsis forA Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood:
Two-time Oscar®-winner Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers inA Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America’s most beloved neighbor.
