As reported by Variety, Chris Cooper (Bourne Identity, American Beauty, Live by Night) is poised to join Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump, Cast Away) in the Mr. Rogers biopic You Are My Friend. Marielle Heller directs the film (Diary of a Teenage Girl, Can You Ever Forgive Me?), which also stars Matthew Rhys (The Post, The Americans).

The story revolves around the real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and award-winning journalist Tom Junod. Cynical journalist Junod is assigned to write a profile piece on beloved icon Rogers, and after spending some time with Rogers, Junod finds his views on the world transformed. Cooper is set to play Junod’s father in the film. Hype is ramping up around the film, and if anyone can pull off an unforgettable portrayal of Mr. Rogers, it is definitely Tom Hanks.

Production is expected to begin this September, and the film has an October 18, 2019 release date.