Old Man Hanks will star and produce English-language adaptation of hit novel A Man Called Ove.

You might have heard of the novel A Man Called Ove in passing. Whether it was its nomination for best foreign language film at the Oscars last or the bookstore, chances are you’ve come across it. The 2012 book by Fredrik Backman was a mainstay on The New York Times best-seller list for a consecutive 77 weeks and has been translated into 43 different languages.

The film stars a widower (Hanks) who seems to enjoy his loneliness and misery. Though he has frequently tried to end his life, something always seems to go wrong. His life suddenly takes a change when a mixed-race couple moves into the neighborhood. Ove beings to form a friendship with the couple that will significantly improve his way of life.

The foreign film that was released last year earned plenty of accolades. It was directed by Hannes Holm and earned itself two Academy Award nominations. Even if it didn’t win the coveted award, it was still the highest grossing foreign-language film according to The Hollywood Reporter

Hanks is going to take on the role and his involvement should definitely make the English-language adaptation a massive success. One of his producing partners Fredrik Wikstrom Nicastro said, “This story about love, tolerance and hope, and amplifies the qualities in movies that are hallmarks of the classic films we know and love. A Man Called Ove

transcended the language barrier to touch readers and audiences in ways we long for.” A Man Called Ove certainly connected with audiences and readers over the past few years and becomes a fascinating vehicle for Tom Hanks.