Tom Hanks to Play Abraham Lincoln in 'Lincoln in the Bardo' Movie Adaptation

Oscar winner will portray 16th U.S. President in film based on George Saunders' bestselling novel.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Oscar-winner Tom Hanks is set to portray President Abraham Lincoln in the upcoming film adaptation of 'Lincoln in the Bardo' from Starburns Industries. In addition to starring as the 16th U.S. President, Hanks will also produce the project, based on George Saunders' bestselling novel, via his Playtone label with partner Gary Goetzman. Saunders is adapting the novel with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Duke Johnson ('Anomalisa') set to direct and produce.

Why it matters

This is Hanks' first time portraying a U.S. President, though he has played other real-life historical figures like astronaut Jim Lovell, pilot Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, and journalist Ben Bradlee. The film will blend stop-motion animation and live-action to explore the intimate aspects of Lincoln's life, particularly his relationship with his recently deceased 11-year-old son.

The details

The production will blend stop-motion animation and live-action to explore 'themes of love, empathy and human capacity in the face of unimaginable grief' via an ensemble of characters, 'both living and dead, historical and invented.' Johnson, Paul Young and Devon Young Rabinowitz are producing for Starburns Industries, with the project as the first to go into production since the studio announced its film fund. Steven Shareshian, Aaron Mitchell and Saunders will serve as executive producers. Production will take place in London.

  • Tom Hanks is set to portray President Abraham Lincoln in the upcoming film adaptation.

The players

Tom Hanks

An Oscar-winning American actor who is set to portray President Abraham Lincoln in the film adaptation of 'Lincoln in the Bardo.'

George Saunders

The author of the bestselling novel 'Lincoln in the Bardo,' which is being adapted for the film.

Duke Johnson

An Oscar-nominated filmmaker who is set to direct and produce the film adaptation of 'Lincoln in the Bardo.'

Gary Goetzman

Hanks' producing partner at Playtone, who will co-produce the 'Lincoln in the Bardo' film adaptation.

Starburns Industries

The production company behind the 'Lincoln in the Bardo' film adaptation.

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What’s next

Production on the 'Lincoln in the Bardo' film adaptation is set to take place in London.

The takeaway

Tom Hanks' portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln in the upcoming film adaptation of 'Lincoln in the Bardo' marks the acclaimed actor's first time playing a U.S. President on screen. The production will blend stop-motion animation and live-action to explore the intimate aspects of Lincoln's life, particularly his relationship with his recently deceased 11-year-old son.