Tom Hanks to lead experimental biopic about distant relative Abraham Lincoln

Tom Hanks is set to play Abraham Lincoln in the upcoming film Lincoln in the Bardo, a hybrid production blending live-action and stop-motion animation.

An interesting fact is Hanks' familial connection to the 16th US president, as the actor happens to be the distant cousin of the former president’s mother, Nancy Hanks.

Hanks will also produce the film through his Playtone banner alongside longtime collaborator Gary Goetzman. The project is based on George Saunders’ 2017 bestselling novel of the same name and will be directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Duke Johnson. 

Reports say the story centers on a deeply personal period in Lincoln’s life, focusing on his grief after the death of his 11-year-old son. It blends real and fictional characters to explore themes of loss, compassion, and strength.

The role adds to a long list of real-life figures he has portrayed, including Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger in Sully, and Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

Hanks will also reprise his voice role as Woody in Toy Story 5, scheduled for release later this year.