First look at Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers in biopic from Marielle Heller
Tri-Star Pictures has revealed the first look at two-Academy Award winner Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers in Marielle Heller’s Untitled Mr. Rogers/ Tom Hanks Project, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod (played by Emmy winner Matthew Rhys), who is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, overcoming his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America’s most beloved neighbor.
Based on the article “Can You Say…Hero?” by Tom Junod, the film also stars Susan Kelechi Watson and Academy Award winner Chris Cooper.
Earlier this year, Focus Features released the documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor about Fred Rogers to the tune of $22.6M, the highest grossing doc this year so far.
Tri-Star Pictures will release the Untitled Mr. Rogers/ Tom Hanks Project in October 2019.
Here is your first look.

- Producers Guild Awards Nominations for Sports, Children’s and Short-Form Programs - December 12, 2025
- Wim Wenders to Lead 76th Berlin International Film Festival Jury - December 12, 2025
- 2026 Oscar Predictions: ADAPTED SCREENPLAY and ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY (December) - December 12, 2025

Producers Guild Awards Nominations for Sports, Children’s and Short-Form Programs
Wim Wenders to Lead 76th Berlin International Film Festival Jury
2026 Oscar Predictions: ADAPTED SCREENPLAY and ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY (December)
San Diego Film Critics Society (SDFCS) Nominations: ‘One Battle After Another,’ ‘Sinners’ Lead