American actor Tom Hanks will take on the role of former President Abraham Lincoln in a cinematic adaptation of George Saunders' novel 'Lincoln in the Bardo.' Hanks, who is a descendant of Lincoln in real life, will also produce the film through his production company, Playtone. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time Hanks embodies the 16th President of the United States on screen.

The adaptation, published in 2017, will be developed in collaboration with Saunders and directed by Duke Johnson, who is also set to produce the project. The production will take place in London and aims to blend stop-motion animation with live-action filming. The story focuses on the profound relationship between Lincoln and his 11-year-old son, who recently passed away, providing a poignant exploration of grief and loss.

The film is expected to delve into themes of love, empathy, and the human capacity to endure unimaginable pain through its unique storytelling approach. With Hanks' involvement and the creative vision of Johnson, the adaptation promises to provide a heartfelt narrative that resonates with audiences, ultimately bringing Lincoln's legacy and emotional struggles to the forefront in a visually compelling manner.