Tom Hanks Set to Play President Abraham Lincoln In Biopic Movie That Will Blend Live-Action and Animation

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Abraham Lincoln is likely the most well-known leader in American history, celebrated for his incredible accomplishments. He’s remembered for guiding the country through the Civil War and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, solidifying his place as a symbol of democratic strength. Because of his huge impact on history, it’s no surprise that Lincoln’s life has been portrayed in many films. We’ve seen serious depictions, like Steven Spielberg’s movie Lincoln, and even fantastical ones, such as Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Now, a new film starring Tom Hanks will bring Lincoln’s story to life again, this time using a unique visual style.

I’m incredibly excited about this new project! It’s going to be an adaptation of George Saunders’ brilliant Lincoln in the Bardo, which won the Booker Prize a few years back. Duke Johnson, the director of the amazing Anomalisa, is at the helm, and he’s doing something really unique: Tom Hanks will be performing live-action alongside this incredible stop-motion animation created by Starburns Industries. But it’s not your typical Lincoln biopic. Forget the war and politics – this story takes place over just one night in 1862. It focuses on Lincoln as a grieving father, visiting his son William’s grave in Georgetown. It sounds deeply emotional, and the whole thing unfolds through this really surreal mix of characters, both living and… not, all stuck in this in-between place called the bardo. It’s going to be something special, I can feel it.

Tom Hanks Is a Genius When It Comes to Biopics

Choosing Tom Hanks to lead a new historical drama is a clever decision. He has a long history of starring in successful films based on real events, consistently delivering both strong box office numbers and positive reviews. For example, he played astronaut Jim Lovell in Apollo 13, which earned $355 million worldwide. He also starred in Captain Phillips, a film about the Maersk Alabama hijacking that brought in $218 million globally, and Sully, which earned $240 million by telling the story of pilot Chesley Sullenberger and the media attention he received.

As a film critic, I’ve always admired Tom Hanks’ ability to portray real-life figures with nuance. He doesn’t just do an impression; he truly embodies these icons. We see this brilliantly in films like A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, where his Fred Rogers was instantly recognizable yet surprisingly complex – earning him an Oscar nod, deservedly so. It’s a delicate balance: capturing those famous mannerisms while still hinting at the person behind the public image. He tackled a similar challenge in Saving Mr. Banks, carefully portraying Walt Disney, a figure everyone thought they knew. And it’s worth remembering he even narrated Killing Lincoln, which clearly gave him a deep understanding of that historical period. It’s a testament to his skill that he can approach these heavily documented lives and deliver something truly compelling, avoiding easy caricature every time.

The upcoming film adaptation of Lincoln in the Bardo is a tricky project because it’s made using stop-motion animation and takes place in a strange, dreamlike version of the afterlife. To attract an audience despite this unusual approach to a biopic, the studio is relying on the star power and well-known name of Tom Hanks.

Tom Hanks voices Abraham Lincoln in the new audiobook, Lincoln in the Bardo. What do you think? Share your thoughts and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-24 15:10