Tom Hanks Pictured In Mr Rogers Costume For First Time

Sony Pictures

Tom Hanks: the loveable Forrest Gump; the dependable Captain Miller; and who can forget his epic portrayal as Chuck in Castaway – ‘Wiiiilsooon!’

And now we get to see the actor portray American television personality and puppeteer Mister Rogers. As if Tom Hanks could get any better!

The film is going to be released at the end of 2019, but filming has already started and Hanks has been spotted in costume for the first time.

If you’re anything like me, you have taken a step back and wondered if your mind is playing tricks on you, the look is that uncanny!

Hanks is pictured sitting outside what appears to be his trailer in a studio, wearing a bright red cardigan, beige trousers and blue trainers. A winning combination, I think we can all agree.

I promise you that is actually Mr Hanks and not Mister Rogers himself, but I would forgive you for getting the two confused for a moment.

Sony Pictures released the photo on Thursday September 27 on their Twitter account.

They said:

Tom Hanks is Mister Rogers, coming to a neighborhood near you October 2019.

Can you get any more wholesome?! I personally cannot contain my excitement at the opportunity of seeing the Hollywood star in this role.

Hank’s portrayal as the star of American television’s beloved Mr. Rogers’ Neighbourhood, Fred Rogers, was announced in January this year and has been well anticipated ever since.

According to Den of Geek, the news was announced by TriStar Pictures, which has been developing a Mr Rogers biopic for a while with the title ‘You Are My Friend’.

The director Marielle Heller told Entertainment Weekly about her bold vision for the film.

She said:

[This] movie is… not a biopic. I disliked that when it got announced it was characterised as such. It’s really not.

It’s a movie that’s largely focused on a reporter and [Mr. Rogers’] relationship to his life, and how [the reporter’s] whole world changes when coming in contact with Fred Rogers

I personally can’t wait. Tom Hanks changing a reporter’s life, it’ the dream! You can sign me right up.

It’s fair to say people are excited. One Twitter user wrote:

Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers has me ugly crying

Whilst another said:

Saw a picture of Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers today and I am at peace with the world.

And another exclaimed:

I look at the world and I honestly don’t think humanity deserves something as wholesome as a Mr. Rogers movie starring Tom Hanks right now.

Although Hanks is yet to make an announcement since the photo was released, it appears Mr Rogers himself was a fan of the actor.

According to TMZ, Mr Roger’s youngest son John said his late father was a big fan of Hanks, especially in his iconic role Forrest Gump, admitting that he had seen the film quite a few times.

Who can blame him? In fact, that’s my weekend plans sorted!

So there we have it. October 2019, get your queueing pants on and head to the cinema to see everyone’s favourite actor in potentially his most wholesome role yet.

I know I will be.

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Lucy Connolly

A Broadcast Journalism Masters graduate who went on to achieve an NCTJ level 3 Diploma in Journalism, Lucy has done stints at ITV, BBC Inside Out and Key 103. While working as a journalist for UNILAD, Lucy has reported on breaking news stories while also writing features about mental health, cervical screening awareness, and Little Mix (who she is unapologetically obsessed with).