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Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeckis Move Ahead with 'Major Matt Mason'

by Ben Pearson
October 15, 2012
Source: The Wrap

Since Universal made a deal with Mattel back in 2009, we've known that a movie based on the astronaut toy Major Matt Mason was in the works with Tom Hanks attached to produce and play the lead. Flight director Robert Zemeckis came on board to direct last year, planning to reteam with his Castaway star, but the project hasn't budged in a while. But just a day after adventurer Felix Baumgartner captivated the world with his wild, sound barrier breaking space jump, news from The Wrap says Major Matt Mason is moving forward and seeking funds from independent financiers. It looks like space is becoming viable again.

Hanks is familiar with what it takes to secure financing from independent sources, because that's what The Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer had to do with the upcoming Cloud Atlas (which, with a budget of $100 million, became the most expensive independent movie ever). This is a personal project for him because he co-wrote the script with "Justified" showrunner and Speed screenwriter Graham Yost, who gave us a brief update on the project earlier this year. Universal Pictures is reportedly handling domestic rights to this movie when it's finished, but the production still needs to secure funding for a production budget. With Zemeckis back in the live-action business and getting good buzz for Flight, and with Hanks' box office draw as one of America's most famous leading men, it shouldn't be too tough a task. Sound good?

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