Editorial Staff
Bleep Bleep Dexter, It’d seem Tom Hanks and Mr. Rogers are a… perfect match.
The Oscar winning star of “The Post” and “Sully” will play the iconic TV personality in a biopic housed at TriStar Pictures, Variety confirmed today.
Marielle Heller (“Diary of a Teenage Girl”) is directing “You Are My Friend”, with Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster scripting.
“I’m thrilled to be making ‘You Are My Friend,’” Heller said. “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 film will largely focus on Fred Rogers friendship with jouno Tom Junod.
In the story, a cynical journalist begrudgingly accepts an assignment to write a profile piece on the beloved icon and finds his perspective on life transformed.
“This is the perfect alchemy of talent coming together at the perfect time to remind us all of the transformative power of kindness and respect to heal and to unite. We are proud to partner with Marielle, Tom and everyone at Big Beach to bring this inspirational true story to audiences all over the world,” said Hannah Minghella, president of TriStar Pictures.
You’ll recall the script surfaced on the black list about five years ago.
Production is set to begin in September.
