TriStar Pictures has announced Tom Hanks is slated to play Mr. Rogers in a new biopic called "You Are My Friend".
Set to head the film is "Diary of a Teenage Girl" director Marielle Heller who says she is thrilled to be making the movie.
“The script knocked me out with its message of kindness and its exploration of the human spirit. As a mother, I am so inspired by the teachings of Fred Rogers and as a human I am in awe of his life’s work. I can’t wait to bring his story to the public and be a part of such a thoughtful, smart group of people who are all coming together to make this film, which truly feels to me like an antidote to our very fractured culture.”
The movie is set to follow the relationship between Rogers and award-winning journalist Tom Junod.
The premise is of the real life assignment Junod had in writing a profile on the iconic television star where he found his perspective on life totally changed after spending time with Rogers.