Oscar winner Tom Hanks is gearing up to play former US president Abraham Lincoln in the upcoming film adaptation of “Lincoln in the Bardo,” a unique historical exploration from contemporary literature. This project, helmed by director Duke Johnson, combines live-action scenes with stop-motion animation. Filming is currently taking place in London, with Hanks taking on the role of the 16th president in the live-action segments. The movie is being produced by Starburns Industries, recognized for their innovative work in animation.
Based on the Booker Prize-winning novel by George Saunders, the story delves into Lincoln’s mourning process following the death of his 11-year-old son Willie during the Civil War. Set in a supernatural limbo inspired by Tibetan Buddhist beliefs, the narrative delves into themes of grief, memory, and political accountability through a collection of ethereal spirits witnessing the president’s personal struggles.
Johnson, known for his work on the Oscar-nominated animated feature “Anomalisa,” is once again pushing boundaries with this hybrid film format. The production team includes Hanks and Gary Goetzman from Playtone, alongside Johnson, Paul Young, and Devon Young Rabinowitz.
Saunders’ novel, which won the Booker Prize in 2017, was lauded for its innovative storytelling and dark humor in reshaping historical fiction. Adapting this distinctive voice for the big screen poses a unique challenge, given the book’s fragmented narrative and diverse cast of spectral characters.
Tom Hanks, a stalwart presence in Hollywood, has been involved in various independent and franchise projects. He is also slated to return as Woody in “Toy Story 5” produced by Pixar under The Walt Disney Company, set for release later this year. Additionally, he will star in the upcoming World War II drama “Greyhound 2.”
The cultural legacy of Lincoln has attracted renewed interest across different media platforms. Actor Hamish Linklater recently portrayed the president in the historical drama “Manhunt” on Apple TV+, while the Broadway production “Oh, Mary!” took a comedic approach to revisiting Lincoln and garnered multiple Tony Awards.
Although Daniel Day-Lewis’s portrayal in the film “Lincoln” directed by Steven Spielberg remains iconic, Hanks’ portrayal is expected to bring a more introspective and philosophical viewpoint to the character in “Lincoln in the Bardo.” The film’s arrival coincides with a resurgence of interest in literary adaptations that challenge traditional storytelling conventions, offering a fresh perspective on historical narratives on the silver screen.