Tom Hanks to Portray Abraham Lincoln in New Film

Tom Hanks will portray former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln in the film adaptation of the book Lincoln in the Bardo.

The movie will be based on the novel by George Saunders, and in addition to acting, the Forrest Gump star will produce the film through his banner Playtone, according to industry publication Variety reported Monday.

This is the first time Hanks—who is a real-life descendant of Lincoln—will portray the 16th President of the United States.

Saunders will adapt his 2017 novel alongside director Duke Johnson (Anomalisa), who will direct and produce the project.

Lincoln in the Bardo, produced by Starburns Industries and set to film in London, focuses on Lincoln's relationship with his recently deceased 11-year-old son.

According to the specialized magazine, the film will combine stop-motion animation with live action to explore "themes of love, empathy, and human capacity in the face of unimaginable grief" through a cast of characters, "both living and dead, historical and invented."