Warner Bros. in Talks to Land ‘Theo of Golden’ Film Rights, Tom Hanks Eyed to Star

Warner Bros. Pictures is currently negotiating to acquire the film rights to Allen Levi's popular novel "Theo of Golden." Actor Tom Hanks is reportedly interested in starring in the film adaptation. The book's synopsis describes Theo, a mysterious newcomer to the small Southern town of Golden, who begins purchasing and giving away portrait of the townspeople after visiting the local coffeehouse.

Each portrait reveals the person's secrets, regrets and transforms their lives. The film project is being produced by Gil Netter, Hanks and Gary Goetzman, with Allen Levi and Gary Goetzman serving as executive producers. Jesse Ehrman and Sheila Walcott are handling production for Warner Bros. Pictures. Literary affairs executive Ian Dalyrmple is credited with bringing the project to the studio's attention.

"Theo of Golden," published by Simon & Schuster in October 2025, has been a massive success, becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller and a #1 bestseller in several territories globally. Tom Hanks's next project is an upcoming sports film about a hitting coach for the New York Mets, set to begin filming in the fall. Levi is represented by WME while Hanks is represented by CAA. Deadline first broke the news of the potential film adaptation.