Tom Hanks will portray Abraham Lincoln in a forthcoming film adaptation of George Saunders’ critically acclaimed novel, “Lincoln in the Bardo,” according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter and Literary Hub. Hanks will not only star as the 16th U.S. President but will as well serve as a producer through his production company, Playtone.
The film will bring to the screen Saunders’ 2017 novel, which won the Booker Prize. This marks Hanks’ first time taking on the role of Lincoln in a feature film, adding another historical figure to his extensive filmography. Production is slated to grab place in London, with Starburns Industries handling production alongside Playtone, as reported by Deadline.
“Lincoln in the Bardo” is set during the Civil War in 1862 and centers on the death of Lincoln’s 11-year-old son, Willie. Saunders’ novel employs a unique narrative structure, blending fictional and historical characters to explore themes of grief, loss, and the human condition. The term “bardo” originates from Tibetan Buddhist tradition, referring to an intermediate state between death and reincarnation, and serves as the setting for interactions between diverse voices within the novel.
The film adaptation is expected to maintain the novel’s hybrid aesthetic, combining stop-motion animation with live-action footage to represent both the historical setting and the ethereal “bardo” realm. George Saunders will collaborate on the screenplay with director Duke Johnson, known for his animated film “Anomalisa.”
Hanks has previously embodied a range of historical figures, including Chesley Sullenberger in “Sully,” Fred Rogers in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” and Walt Disney in “Saving Mr. Banks.” Media outlets have noted Hanks’ familial connection to Lincoln, reporting that the actor is a descendant of the former president.
Playtone, founded by Hanks and Gary Goetzman, has previously produced projects such as “Band of Brothers,” “The Pacific,” and “Mamma Mia! The Movie.” Duke Johnson will also serve as a producer, bringing his experience in adult-oriented stop-motion animation to the project.
While previous cinematic portrayals of Abraham Lincoln exist, including Daniel Day-Lewis’s Oscar-winning performance in Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” this adaptation distinguishes itself by focusing on the personal grief experienced by Lincoln and his family during a time of national crisis.
As of February 27, 2026, a release date and the remaining cast members have not been announced.
