Naman Shrestha
Ever since his debut in the low-budget slasher movie ‘He Knows You’re Alone’ in 1980, Thomas “Tom” Jeffrey Hanks has been leaving a memorable mark on the film industry with his remarkable acting and iconic roles. Some of you might know him from ‘Catch Me If You Can’ and ‘Saving Private Ryan,’ while the rest of you might remember ‘The Green Mile’ or ‘Captain Phillips’ when you think of him. Either way, for decades now, Tom Hanks has been a household name with multiple blockbuster hits to his name.
Hanks has two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor wins, for his performances in ‘Philadelphia’ and ‘Forrest Gump,’ to his name. He has not only bagged multiple awards for his movies but he has also been honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom, honorary citizenship of Greece, and Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, to name a few. He portrays Robert Langdon in the eponymous film franchise. Given his stature as an actor and after getting a reminder of it recently in Wes Anderson’s ‘Asteroid City,’ you are not alone in constantly wanting to watch his brilliant acting in new productions. Well, lucky for you, here is the list of all the upcoming movies and TV shows of Tom Hanks.
1. Here (2024)
For the first time in nearly three decades, Tom Hanks reunites with the team of ‘Forrest Gump,’ including co-star Robin Wright, director Robert Zemeckis, and screenwriter Eric Roth, for the production of ‘Here,’ a drama movie adapted from the eponymous graphic novel by Richard McGuire. Described as a revolutionary and captivating odyssey through time and memory, ‘Here’ is set mostly in a single room as it covers different events that transpire in it, with its inhabitants spanning from the past as well as into the future.
Alongside Hanks and Wright, ‘Here’ also includes other talented cast members — Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly, Leslie Zemeckis, Michelle Dockery, and Gwilym Lee. Tom Hanks also teams up with Bill Block, Jack Rapke, Gary Goetzman, and Zemeckis to serve as a producer of the film. The film has completed post-production and is scheduled to premiere at the American Film Institute Festival on October 25, 2024, before being theatrically released on November 1, 2024. You can watch the trailer here.
2. The Americas (2025)
Currently in its pre-production stage is ‘The Americas,’ an NBC-backed ten-part tentpole wildlife series that will cover wildlife across North America and South America including iconic locations. Hans Zimmer has been roped in to compose the score. Hanks will serve as the series narrator. The series will premiere with a two-hour episode on February 23 (Sunday), 2025. More details, including a director, are awaited.
3. Freaky Tales (TBA)
This completed heavy-action drama brings together four diverse stories that occur during historical events in 1980s Oakland, California. From street punks to rappers to skinheads to debt collectors to basketball players, the movie uniquely blends drama and action while exploring and celebrating the culture and people of Oakland. Alongside Hanks, the film stars Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Angus Cloud, Jack Champion, and Keir Gilchrist. Written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, ‘Freaky Tales’ premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2024, but is yet to get a theatrical release date.
4. The Phoenician Scheme (TBA)
Hanks is reportedly in Wes Anderson’s upcoming espionage movie. Currently in its post production phase, the movie has also added Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Willem Dafoe, Bryan Cranston, and Rupert Friend. They join the previously announced cast that includes Benicio del Toro, Bill Murray, Michael Cera, and Mia Threapleton. The plot explores a dark tale of betrayal and morally gray choices and follows a strained father-daughter relationship set against the backdrop of their family business. Anderson and Roman Coppola have written the story. More details about the plot, and release are awaited. ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ is currently in its post-production state and will be released in Germany on February 13, 2025. A release date for the US is eagerly awaited although it is expected to be released in 2025 itself.
5. Untitled Tom Hanks/History Channel Project (TBA)
Hanks will host and narrate a yet-untitled historical series. Currently in pre-production, it will explore World War II via rare archives and new scholarship and illuminate its pivotal moments. History Channel is backing this 20-part series, which has yet to be released. More details about the project are awaited.
6. Major Matt Mason (TBA)
Hanks is set to star in a feature film titled ‘Major Matt Mason,’ an adventure movie based on the eponymous Mattel action figure. Portraying the titular character who resides and works on the Moon, Tom will once again bring the character, which he has co-written with Akiva Goldsman, to life after working with Goldsman in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and ‘Angels & Demons.’ The story is adapted from a short story about the character written by Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Chabon.
The popularity of the toy goes back to the 1960s when America was busy with its own space race. The film is likely to have a bunch of supporting characters, including a space crew and aliens, both allies and villains. Originally announced back in 2019, the production of the action figure-based film is being escalated, especially after the overwhelmingly positive response Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ received. However, due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the movie’s development was delayed, and we have yet to get any report about its filming.
Read More: Where Was ‘Saving Private Ryan’ Filmed?
