Tom Hanks in talks for Warner Bros’ ‘Theo of Golden’ movie adaptation

Hollywood star Tom Hanks is in talks to star in the film adaptation of Allen Levi’s popular novel Theo of Golden, with Warner Bros. Pictures negotiating to acquire the rights to the book, according to Deadline.

Hanks is also attached to produce the project alongside Gil Netter and Gary Goetzman. Levi will serve as an executive producer.

What is ‘Theo of Golden’ about?

Levi, 70, made his publishing debut with the novel, which has grown into a major word-of-mouth success.

The story centres on a mysterious stranger named Theo, who arrives in the town of Golden without revealing where he came from or why he is there.

According to the official synopsis: “One morning, a stranger arrives in the town of Golden. No one knows who he is or where he came from... His name is Theo and he's arrived there by chance – or has he? He visits the local coffeehouse, where ninety-two pencil portraits hang on the walls, portraits by a local artist of the people of Golden.

He begins purchasing them, one at a time, and putting them back in the hands of their 'rightful owners'. With each exchange, a story is told, a friendship born, and a life altered.”

Warner Bros moves on book adaptation

Warner Bros executives Jesse Ehrman and Sheila Walcott are overseeing the project. Literary affairs executive Ian Dalrymple reportedly brought the project to the studio.

The film is still in the discussion stage, with Hanks being considered for the lead role. Further details about the adaptation and its cast have not been announced.

From self-publishing to bestseller

Theo of Golden began as a self-published novel. Levi had previously worked in law before leaving the profession to pursue music in Georgia.

The book gradually gained readers through word of mouth and later received attention after being featured on Oprah Winfrey’s podcast.

Simon & Schuster subsequently published the novel widely in October last year. It has since sold more than 3.5 million copies in the US and has been translated into 43 languages.

The book has also reached No. 1 on bestseller lists in countries including the Netherlands, Italy and the UK.