A-list Oscar nominee joins Tom Hanks and Callum Turner’s new movie — nice get
Tom Hanks and Callum Turner’s The Comebacker has bagged an A-list Oscar nominee — and it’s a face you’ll recognise.
It looks like Tom Hanks is stepping back up to the plate, quite literally, for his next film – but this time, he's got Patricia Clarkson sharing the screen, which frankly is a cracking bit of casting. The pair will headline The Comebacker, a Sony Pictures project that's drawing in some impressive names behind the camera as well.
The Comebacker is set to hit UK cinemas on 30 July 2027.
Who's Playing Who?
Directed by Marielle Heller and based on a short by Dave Eggers (with both Heller and Eggers having a hand in the script), the story centres on Callum Turner as a promising young pitcher for the New York Mets. Unfortunately, things take a nosedive when he's struck in the head by a line drive, which leaves both his career and his coach – played by Hanks – in a tailspin. We're in sports drama territory, but with this lot steering, expect a bit more nuance than your standard inspirational fare.
Patricia Clarkson (yes, the same one from Pieces of April, nominated for an Oscar back in the day) was just confirmed for the cast. She'll be playing Hanks' on-screen wife – worth noting that she's just come off working with Martin Scorsese, Jennifer Lawrence, and Leonardo DiCaprio in What Happens at Night. Not exactly small potatoes, that.
Behind the Camera & On the Field
Production-wise, Sony's lined up a tidy team. Gary Goetzman (Playtone), Heller, and Leah Holzer (Defiant By Nature) are producing, and they've got the real-life New York Mets and Major League Baseball cooperating for authenticity. Working Barnes is listed as the executive producer, though I won't pretend that name means much to me just yet.
Filming's set for Queens and, naturally, Citi Field. Conveniently, the Mets have been knocked out of playoff contention, so the crew can get in there without any scheduling drama. Always helps when real life cuts you a break – not that New York's known for being gentle.
- The Comebacker – starring Tom Hanks, Callum Turner, Patricia Clarkson
- Directed by Marielle Heller; written by Heller and Dave Eggers
- Filming in Queens and at Citi Field, New York
- Produced by Gary Goetzman, Heller, and Leah Holzer
- Clarkson plays Hanks' wife; Turner is the injured Mets pitcher
- Cinema release slated for 30 July 2027
The official summary, in case you're still wondering: a pitching coach (Hanks) has his world flipped upside down when his star player (Turner) is sent reeling by a brutal accident on the mound. Cue high stakes, sporting grit, and probably a dash of 'heartwarming' somewhere in the third act.