Tom Hanks Channels Late TV-Icon Mr Rogers in the Official 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' Trailer

Tom Hanks is back on the big screen as he portrays the character of the late TV star, Fred Rogers, in his movie “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” The film focuses on journalist Tom Junod’s (Matthew Rhys) article which is centered on Rogers before his death.

The recently released trailer showed Hanks singing an iconic theme song of Rogers during the taping of his show, while Rhys, playing Junod, observed him from behind the scenes and later spoke to him for an interview.

“This piece will be for an issue about heroes. Do you consider yourself a hero?” asked Junod.

Junod, a magazine reporter, is tasked to tackle Rogers, a famous children’s TV show host, work and life; but what later started as a formal relationship, blossomed into a surprising friendship which teaches kindness, compassion, and manners.

“We are trying to give the world positive ways of dealing with their feelings,” Rogers said in the trailer. “Sometimes we have to ask for help, and that’s okay. I think the best thing we can do is to let people know that each one of them is precious.”

The 62-year-old Oscar-winning actor transformed into character well, resembling the legendary TV icon during his scene in a red cardigan, khaki slacks, and button-down and tie. He was also able to portray the character well with the little quirks and smirks of the original TV personality.

Rogers was the original star of the children’s series “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and was given focus in the documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last year and became a summer box office hit.

Director of the movie set to hit the screens on November told Entertainment Weekly that the film is “not a biopic,” adding that characterizing it as one was not in her favor. She said:

“It’s a movie that’s largely focused on a reporter and [Mr. Rogers’] relationship to his life, and how [the reporter’s] whole world changes when coming in contact with Fred Rogers.”

Hanks’ projects have been packed lately with his latest film being the Pixar animation film Toy Story 4. The incredible actor recently celebrated his 63rd birthday amid his schedule, which he took to social media to share a clip of him jumping from a boat.

“Look at the cool beach clothes I got for my 63rd Birthday! Hanx!” the caption read.

The video instantly gained popularity among his fans, reaching over a million likes and thousands of comments greeting the Hollywood star a happy birthday and sending him well-wishes.