Some exciting news coming out of Germany today, where the 67th International Berlin Film Festival is currently underway. Deals are being made left, right and center and now, Deadline has word that Sony Pictures has swooped in to acquire the worldwide rights to Greyhound, Tom Hanks’ new WWII drama which he wrote and is set to star in, with Get Low‘s Aaron Schneider directing.
From what we understand, the plot will revolve around Hanks’ Commander George Krause, “a career officer finally given command of a Navy destroyer; along with the enemy he fights his self-doubts and personal demons to prove he belongs.” Based on C.S. Forester’s The Good Shepherd, FilmNation will provide the financing for the project with the budget coming in at roughly $30 million.
That’s all we’ve got to go on for now, but seeing Hanks return to sea should prove to be a real treat for those who enjoyed his work in Captain Phillips, which featured one of the finest performances of his career. Furthermore, the actor is no stranger to the WWII genre, having dedicated his talents to Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers and more. Sony will no doubt be angling this one as an awards contender and with Hanks’ involvement, it’s not hard to imagine it being an Oscar favorite.
No other cast members have been announced for the project just yet, but with production on Greyhound set to get underway in May, with a 2018 release looking likely, we expect to hear more shortly. Until then, however, take to the comments section and let us know if you’re looking forward to seeing Hanks step into the role of Commander George Krause as he returns to the WWII genre.
