It's apparently Mr. Rogers season, as the beloved late children's host is being celebrated in a number of films. Following the well-received Sundance documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor, Fred Rogers will next be explored in a new biopic.
Called You Are My Friend, the biopic will see Tom Hanks step into Rogers' iconic cardigan as he takes on the role of the television legend. The news was first reported by Variety.
You Are My Friend is being helmed by Marielle Heller, who previously directed The Diary of a Teenage Girl. The film focuses in on Rogers' friendship with journalist Tom Junod.
"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."
Big Beach Films is producing You Are My Friend for Tristar Pictures.
Called You Are My Friend, the biopic will see Tom Hanks step into Rogers' iconic cardigan as he takes on the role of the television legend. The news was first reported by Variety.
You Are My Friend is being helmed by Marielle Heller, who previously directed The Diary of a Teenage Girl. The film focuses in on Rogers' friendship with journalist Tom Junod.
"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."
Big Beach Films is producing You Are My Friend for Tristar Pictures.