Tom Hanks to star in baseball movie
Los Angeles, March 27
Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks is likely to be seen in a baseball dramedy feature.
As per Variety, Hanks will star in an adaptation of the short story "The Comebacker," with Marielle Heller as a director.
Both Hanks and Heller will produce the film through their respective production labels. The source material is from Pulitzer Prize finalist Dave Eggers, whose works "A Hologram for the King" and "The Circle" both inspired films starring Hanks.
Rap sensation Bad Bunny and Oscar-nominated actor Colman Domingo are reportedly eyeing roles in the project.
"The Comebacker" is the first in a series of shorts by Eggers for a story collection titled "The Forgetters." It follows a fading sports journalist named Lionel whose passion for his craft and his life is awakened by a pitcher called up from the minor leagues. The title refers to an injury the pitcher suffered when a batter sent a ball back with brute force into the pitcher's skull.
After the injury, the pitcher exhibits unexpected behaviour, including poetic speech that makes stories written by Hanks' journalist resonate with readers across the country. The short story centers on the San Francisco Giants, but one source said the screenplay will revolve around the New York Met, as per Variety.
The specific role that Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, would play in the film remains unclear.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The plot sounds unique - a pitcher getting poetic after an injury? Only Tom Hanks can pull off such a nuanced role. Looking forward to it. Hope it releases soon on OTT platforms here.
As an American living in Mumbai, I find the crossover casting fascinating. Bad Bunny in a Tom Hanks film? That's unexpected. The source material by Dave Eggers is excellent, so expectations are high.
Baseball isn't very popular here, but a good story is a good story. Tom Hanks has a fantastic track record. My only respectful criticism: sometimes these "inspirational sports dramas" can feel a bit formulaic. I hope this one brings something fresh to the table.
Colman Domingo is a brilliant actor! This sounds like a great ensemble. The description of the pitcher's poetic speech affecting the journalist's writing is a lovely concept. Wishing the team all the best.
Tom Hanks is like our own Amitabh Bachchan of the West - timeless and always reliable. Will definitely watch for him. Interesting to see the setting change from San Francisco Giants to New York Mets.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.