TOM HANKS HAS ‘NEWS’ FOR NM
Actor, co-producer returns to New Mexico to film his current project, “News of the World.”
Tom Hanks is back in New Mexico. Months after wrapping the sci-fi film “BIOS,” the Oscar winner is acting in and co-producing the project, “News of the World.” According to the New Mexico Film Office, principal photography is underway in and around Santa Fe.
“I welcome Tom Hanks back to New Mexico to produce and star in this post Civil War adventure story,” said Economic Development Secretary Alicia Keyes. “It’s reassuring to know that leaders in the film industry are returning New Mexico to benefit from our highly trained crews, unique locations and competitive business incentives.”
“News of the World” is based on the best-selling
novel by Paulette Jiles.
It is set five years after the end of the Civil War.
Capt. Jefferson Kyle Kidd, played by Hanks, a widower and veteran of three wars, moves from town to town as a nonfiction storyteller.
He shares the news of presidents and queens, glorious feuds, catastrophes and adventures from the far reaches of the globe.
In the plains of Texas, Kidd crosses paths with Johanna, played by Helena Zengel, a 10-year-old taken in by the Kiowa tribe six years earlier and raised as one of their own. Johanna, hostile to a world she’s never experienced, is being returned to her biological aunt and uncle against her will.
Kidd agrees to deliver the child where the law says she belongs. As they travel hundreds of miles into the wilderness, the two face challenges of both human and natural forces as they search for a place that either can call home.
According to the film office, the production will continue in the state through November and employ more than 200 New Mexico crew members and 25 New Mexico actors.
“Our state film industry continues to draw sizable A-list productions, and that’s incredibly good news for our economy and workers,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “I look forward to its sustainable expansion and more productions taking root in all parts of the state.”
The film is directed by Paul Greengrass, who also wrote the script with an earlier draft by Luke Davies.
Joining Hanks on the producing side is Gary Goetzman, Gregory Goodman and Gail Mutrux.
Executive producers are Steven Shareshian and Tore Schmidt.
Universal Pictures will release “News of the World” on Dec. 25, 2020.