Tom Hanks has been cast as Mr Rogers in new biopic 'You Are My Friend'

The perfect choice

It is official - Tom Hanks will be playing Mr Rogers in the upcoming biopic about the life of the beloved Fred Rogers.

Announced by Sony TriStar Pictures on Monday, the role will feature Hanks playing Rogers in the film titled 'You Are My Friend.'

Rogers is known for his role as Mr Rogers in the iconic children’s television show, Mister Roger’s Neighborhood - and many are pleased with the casting.

'You Are My Friend,' the title of which has been taken from one of Roger’s signature songs, is inspired by the real-life friendship between Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.

The film will follow the moment Junod accepts an assignment to write a profile article on Mr Rogers, despite his initial disinterest, and the subsequent life-perspective transformation that Junod undergoes as a result.

It was also announced that Marielle Heller, who directed 'Diary of a Teenage Girl,' will be directing the screenplay by Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster.

Heller said in the release: “The script knocked me out with its message of kindness and its exploration of the human spirit. As a mother, I am so inspired by the teachings of Fred Rogers and as a human I am in awe of his life’s work.”

Tom Hanks will play the iconic Mr Rogers

And, according to Hannah Minghella, president of TriStar Pictures: “This is the perfect alchemy of talent coming together at the perfect time to remind us all of the transformative power of kindness and respect to heal and to unite.”

Currently, film production is set for fall - with no date yet for official release.