It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood if you're a fan of Tom Hanks or Mr. Rogers. TriStar Pictures has acquired the rights to a Fred Rogers biopic, You Are My Friend, which will star the iconic actor as the iconic children's TV host.
Marielle Heller, who made her writing/directing debut with 2015's beloved Diary of a Teenage Girl, will direct the film.
"I'm thrilled to be making You Are My Friend," Heller said, according to Variety, which announced the news. "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."
The story documents the friendship between Mr. Rogers and Tom Junod, the prolific American journalist who has won two National Magazine Awards. Junod found his perspective altered through his experience of profiling Rogers for Esquire.
"This is the perfect alchemy of talent coming together at the perfect time to remind us all of the transformative power of kindness and respect to heal and to unite," said TriStar president Hannah Minghella. "We are proud to partner with Marielle, Tom and everyone at Big Beach to bring this inspirational true story to audiences all over the world."
Production for the film will begin this fall.
