Tom Hanks’ historical drama News Of The World gets a Christmas 2020 release date.  Adapted from the book of the same name, News of the World serves as a reunion for Hanks and Captain Phillips director, Paul Greengrass. Penned by Paulette Jiles, News of the World received critical acclaim as one of the best novels of 2016. 

Set five years after the Civil War, News of the World follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Hanks) a widower and veteran of three wars. Traveling through Texas to provide readings of headlines to eager crowds, Captain Kidd confines himself to a life of solitude. The forlorn soldier's rootless existence is shaken up when he is tasked with delivering a 10-year-old orphan Johanna (Helena Zelgel) to her relatives in San Antonio. Having survived a tragedy four years prior, Johanna is void of speech. Gradually, the unlikely duo forges a bond on their 400-mile journey through treacherous land. One of the most celebrated actors of his time, Hanks’ career has spanned three decades. The star of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Castaway has also displayed his knack for directing, including Larry Crowne and That Thing You Do!

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Now, Hanks newest endeavor will arrive just in time for awards season. As reported to THR, News Of The World has received a release date of December 25, 2020. That puts the film up against DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods 2. News of the World release date means it arrives on the heels of pre-Christmas releases including, Sony’s Uncharted and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story

Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood cropped

Originally, News of the World was slated to be a Fox 2000 film but transitioned to Universal following the Disney/Fox merger. News of the World is in the creative hands of producers Hanks, Gary Goetzman, and Gail Mutrux. Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy) will direct from a script by Luke Davies (Lion). Hanks shows no signs of slowing down in his career as he stars in Greyhound - which he also penned - and has been tapped to lead an upcoming Baz Luhrmann biopic about Elvis Presley (where he plays Elvis' manager).

Exploring the boundaries of family, honor, and trust, News of the World will be ripe for the Christmas season picking. Throughout his formidable career, Hanks has proven his ability to conform his craft into any genre, role, and time period. Toting a seasoned creative team, Hank’s pedigree talent and apt release date, News of the World will no doubt garner success at the box office, and may yet become an awards contender to boot.

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Source: THR