Matthew Rhys to Star Opposite Tom Hanks in Mister Rogers Biopic
Fresh off his leading role on celebrated drama "The Americans," actor Matthew Rhys is next set to star in a film about one of the most celebrated real-life Americans of all time: Mister Rogers.
Variety reports that Rhys has landed the co-lead in "You Are My Friend," a film chronicling the relationship between beloved children's entertainer Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. Oscar winner Tom Hanks has already been tapped to play Rogers (talk about perfect casting), and now, Emmy nominee Rhys has been enlisted to portray Junod. The actors previously appeared together in 2017's "The Post."
"You Are My Friend" centers around Junod, a writer for Esquire magazine, who's assigned to pen a profile on Rogers. The cynical journalist initially balks at the task, but ends up forming a friendship with the entertainer, which changes his perspective on life.
According to Variety, the film is looking to score big with awards season voters, positioning itself with a release date of October 18, 2019. With both Hanks and Rhys on board -- as well as celebrated director Marielle Heller ("Diary of a Teenage Girl") -- we don't think the flick will have any trouble garnering critical acclaim.
[via: Variety]