Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks (left) will star in a film adaptation of A&S professor George Saunders’ (right) "Lincoln in the Bardo."
Tom Hanks to Star in Film Adaptation of George Saunders’ Book
From the University Hill to Hollywood, acclaimed author and Syracuse University professor of English G’88 is bringing his imaginative storytelling to the big screen. His bestselling novel is being adapted into a feature film with Tom Hanks set to star as President Abraham Lincoln. As reported by , Hanks, known for iconic roles in “Forrest Gump,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Cast Away” and “Toy Story,” will also co-produce the project through his Playtone label, bringing his signature depth to a role he has never before portrayed: a U.S. president.
The upcoming film of “Lincoln in the Bardo” is notable not only for Hanks’ involvement but also for the creative ambition of the project. The adaptation will delve into one of the most personal chapters of Lincoln’s life: the profound grief he endured after the death of his 11-year‑old son, Willie. The film, produced by Starburns Industries, will blend live-action and stop-motion animation. Director and producer Duke Johnson, who is known for films such as the Oscar-nominated “Anomalisa,” will lead the adaptation, working from a script written by Saunders himself.
For Saunders, who has taught in the renowned in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (A&S’) Department of English since 1996, this collaboration marks another milestone in a career defined by both artistic innovation and critical acclaim. A No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, he has written 13 books that span fiction, nonfiction and humor, including “Tenth of December,” “A Swim in a Pond in the Rain” and “Lincoln in the Bardo,” which won the 2017 Man Booker Prize. His work regularly appears in The New Yorker, and he has been recognized with major honors such as a MacArthur Fellowship, a Guggenheim Fellowship, the PEN/Malamud Award and inclusion on Time magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people. In 2025, he was recognized with the National Book Award for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters (DCAL) by the National Book Foundation.
Saunders’ newest book, “,” published in January, continues his tradition of imaginative, socially resonant storytelling. The novel follows supernatural figures who shepherd a man through the final hours before his death, unfolding a narrative that interrogates environmental responsibility, corporate power and moral accountability. With its blend of surrealism, sharp satire and emotional depth, “Vigil” has already sparked conversations about the role of literature in confronting contemporary global challenges.
For the Syracuse community, the new film collaboration highlights the extraordinary access students have to world‑class literary voices. Saunders’ influence as a mentor, whose teaching has shaped generations of writers, has greatly enriched the literary world. His memorable , which later went viral and became a bestselling book, remains emblematic of his impact both on campus and in popular culture.
With a celebrated new novel on shelves and a major film adaptation forthcoming, Saunders’ year is already one of remarkable accomplishment and a reminder of the power of storytelling to transcend mediums, illuminate empathy and spark meaningful dialogue.
