om Hanks transforms into Fred Rogers in a first-look image from the upcoming film You Are My Friend. Coincidentally, the traditional narrative biopic about Rogers' life will hit theaters a year after the acclaimed documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? explored the cultural impact of the children's television show Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, which ran for 31 seasons. It is directed by Marielle Heller, who is coming off this year's festival darling Can You Ever Forgive Me?.
Hanks signed on to star as Rogers in January of this year and will lead an ensemble that also includes Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Chris Cooper. Sony set the film for an October 2019 release date, but they've wasted no time in generating anticipation for what's in store. Fans can now see how Hanks looks as Mr. Rogers.
The studio unveiled an image today, which you can see in the space below. Hanks is seen sporting Rogers' trademark red sweater and definitely appears to be warm and inviting as he welcomes viewers to his neighborhood: