Tom Hanks is developing World War II drama “Greyhound” with “Get Low” director Aaron Schneider.
Hanks has written the script with an eye to star. Gary Goetzman, Hanks’ longtime producing partner at Playtone Pictures, is the producer.
Hanks would be portraying a career officer given command of a Navy destroyer — named “Greyhound” — who has to deal with combat enemies and his own self doubts.
Playtone is in negotiations with FilmNation to finance “Greyhound,” which has a budget in the $35 million range. The project is being packaged by CAA, which reps Hanks and Schneider.
Hanks stars in Warner Bros.’ “Sully,” portraying Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and his successful 2009 landing of a damaged U.S. Airways jet on the Hudson River. The biopic-thriller, directed by Clint Eastwood, is performing above forecasts with an opening weekend gross expected to hit $32 million domestically.
Hanks wrote the script for 2011’s “Larry Crowne” with Nia Vardalos, in addition to directing and starring. He also wrote the screenplay and directed 1996’s “That Thing You Do!”
Schneider’s 2009 drama “Get Low” starred Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacey, and Bill Murray.
Hanks will be seen next month reprising his role as symbologist Robert Langdon in Sony’s “Inferno.”
Schneider is managed by Brillstein Entertainment Partners. The news was first reported by Deadline Hollywood.
