Tom Hanks’ Mr Rogers film reportedly titled A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Hollywood star Tom Hanks’ upcoming film on TV personality Fred Rogers is titled A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. The Sony Pictures project is directed by Marielle Heller and is scheduled to be released next year.

According to Variety, the movie also features Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, Tammy Blanchard, and Sakina Jaffrey.

Toma hanks (left) and Fred Rogers (right). Image from Facebook

The film is inspired by a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers, star of the long-running Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and award-winning journalist Tom Junod. The story revolves around a cynical journalist who accepts an assignment to write a profile piece on Rogers and finds his perspective on life changed. Junod was so inspired and touched by Rogers' kindness and empathy that he adopted a new outlook towards life, dismissing his skepticism.

Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster have penned the script.

The project originated from a true story developed by Fitzerman-Blue and Harpster, first appearing on the Black List in 2013. This film will be the second project based on Rogers with an earlier documentary on him titled Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, which released in June.

The first look for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was released in September and saw Hanks sporting Rogers' iconic red sweater, dress shirt, tie and blue sneakers.

(With inputs from agencies)