'This Is Us' Star Susan Kelechi Watson Boards Mister Rogers Flick 'You Are My Friend'
The star of a beloved television series is joining a flick about a beloved television star: Susan Kelechi Watson is slated to star in the Mister Rogers film "You Are My Friend."
Deadline reports that Watson, who currently stars on NBC tearjerker "This Is Us," has snagged an undisclosed role in the high-profile film. Though it's unclear exactly who she'll be playing, she'll be in some very good company: The film stars both Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys ("The Americans").
Based on a true story, "You Are My Friend" revolves around cynical journalist Tom Junod (played by Rhys), who initially balks at the assignment to profile children's television host Fred Rogers (played by Hanks), famous for his PBS program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." But the two strike up an unlikely friendship, and Junod's relationship with Rogers gives him a new outlook on life.
The story sounds great, and if it's anything like this year's critically acclaimed Rogers doc "Won't You Be My Neighbor?," audiences are in for a treat. The added bonus of Hanks, Rhys, and Watson among the cast is the icing on the cake.
"You Are My Friend" is being directed by Marielle Heller ("Diary of a Teenage Girl"). No word yet on when production starts.
Watson fans, meanwhile, can catch her as (definitely not dead) Beth on the upcoming third season of "This Is Us," premiering September 25 on NBC.
[via: Deadline]