Lincoln in the Bardo: Tom Hanks becomes US President Abraham Lincoln!

Tom Hanks becomes Abraham Lincoln! According to industry magazine Variety, a film about the US president entitled "Lincoln in the Bardo" is currently in the works. In addition to playing the lead role, Hanks is also serving as producer. The film is being directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Duke Johnson, who already caused a stir with his extraordinary animated film "Anomalisa". For "Lincoln in the Bardo", Johnson is relying on a mixture of stop-motion animation and live action.

Unlike Steven Spielberg's film adaptation of "Lincoln", which focused primarily on the American Civil War and Lincoln's efforts to abolish slavery, the new film takes a much more intimate approach. The story centers on Lincoln's grief over the death of his child. It is not yet known when "Lincoln in the Bardo" will be released in theaters.

Tom Hanks' most famous films: A career spanning comedy, drama, and film history

Few actors embody emotional depth, approachability, and narrative diversity as much as Tom Hanks. He has been shaping international cinema since the 1980s – sometimes as a lovable average Joe, sometimes as a historically significant figure, sometimes as the voice of an animated icon. His filmography is not only extensive, but also exceptionally diverse. His most famous works range from romantic comedies to gripping dramas to timeless classics. Below is a look at the films that have made Tom Hanks one of Hollywood's most influential actors.

The breakthrough with Big (1988)

Tom Hanks made his definitive breakthrough with the fantasy comedy "Big". In the role of a boy who wakes up overnight in the body of an adult, he displayed for the first time that mixture of childlike innocence, comedic timing, and emotional authenticity that would later become his trademark.

His performance earned him his first Oscar nomination – a remarkable achievement for a comedy. "Big" proved that Hanks was more than just a likeable performer: he was an actor with an extraordinary sense of character development and emotion.

Oscar double whammy: Philadelphia and Forrest Gump

The 1990s marked the artistic peak of his career – particularly with two consecutive Oscar wins. In "Philadelphia", Hanks played a lawyer who is discriminated against because of his HIV status. The film was one of the first major Hollywood productions to seriously address AIDS and homophobia. Hanks' intense, sensitive performance earned him the Oscar for Best Actor in 1994.

Just one year later came "Forrest Gump" – a film that has long been part of pop culture. As the good-natured, naive Forrest, who stumbles through pivotal moments in US history, Hanks created one of the most iconic film characters of all time. His performance combined humor and tragedy in a unique way. His second Oscar in a row cemented his status as a legend.

Humanity on death row: The Green Mile

Another milestone in his career is "The Green Mile". In the drama directed by Frank Darabont based – on the novel by Stephen King – Hanks plays prison guard Paul Edgecomb, who works on death row in a US prison.

At the heart of the story is his encounter with the extraordinary prisoner John Coffey, who has mysterious healing powers. Hanks portrays Edgecomb as a man of moral integrity and compassion who increasingly doubts the justice of the system he serves. "The Green Mile" combines supernatural elements with profound questions about guilt, compassion, and humanity. Hanks' calm, nuanced performance contributes significantly to the emotional impact of the film. To this day, the work remains one of the most popular dramas of the 1990s and once again underscores Hanks' ability to credibly portray complex ethical conflicts.

Romance and chemistry: Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail

In addition to his dramatic roles, Hanks also impressed in the romantic comedy genre – especially alongside Meg Ryan. In "Sleepless in Seattle", he plays a widower who unexpectedly finds new love through a radio show. The film became a classic of the genre and thrives on the subtle chemistry between the lead actors.

"You've Got Mail" also tells a love story – this time against the backdrop of the emerging internet culture of the late 1990s. Hanks plays a bookseller who falls in love with an unknown woman online – without knowing that she is his business rival in real life. Both films show Hanks from his charming, warm-hearted side.

Animation history: Toy Story

A completely different chapter in his career began in 1995 with "Toy Story" from Pixar Animation Studios. As the voice of cowboy Woody, Hanks became part of the first fully computer-animated theatrical production in film history. The "Toy Story" series became one of the most successful and popular animated series of all time. Hanks' voice gave Woody depth, humor, and emotional credibility. He accompanied the character – and thus generations of viewers – through several sequels.

Isolation and the will to survive: Cast Away

With "Cast Away", Hanks reached a new dimension of physical and acting dedication. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, he plays a FedEx employee who is stranded on a desert island after a plane crash. Hanks carries large parts of the film almost single-handedly. The physical transformation – including drastic weight loss – underlines his uncompromising preparation. "Cast Away" is an intense character portrait about loneliness, hope, and human resilience and is one of his most impressive performances.

Historical dimension: Saving Private Ryan

In Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan", Hanks plays Captain John Miller, who leads a group of soldiers during World War II to rescue a missing paratrooper. The film is considered one of the most realistic and powerful war films in cinema history. The Normandy landing scene in particular made film history. Hanks embodies his character's moral conflict and leadership with impressive intensity – a role that further cemented his position as a serious character actor.

Between reality and conspiracy: The Da Vinci Code

With "The Da Vinci Code", Hanks entered the realm of mystery thrillers. Based on the bestseller by Dan Brown, he played the symbologist Robert Langdon. The film was a worldwide box office success and spawned several sequels. Although reviews were mixed, Hanks once again demonstrated his ability to credibly embody complex characters in suspenseful material.

Later successes and historical roles

Hanks remained prominent in the 2010s and 2020s. In "Bridge of Spies", he played a lawyer who defends a Soviet spy during the Cold War. Directed once again by Steven Spielberg, the film is a multi-layered drama about morality and diplomacy. In "Captain Phillips", Hanks once again demonstrated his intensity in a realistic story: as the captain of a cargo ship hijacked by pirates, he carries the film with an increasingly nerve-wracking performance.

Conclusion: An actor for generations

Tom Hanks' career is characterized by versatility, sincerity, and a rare combination of star presence and down-to-earthness. Whether as a lovable outsider, historical hero, or animated cowboy, he manages to fill his characters with humanity. His most famous films are more than just box office successes: they are emotional milestones of modern cinema. And with each new role, Tom Hanks proves why he remains one of the most respected actors in film history.