Tom Hanks set to star in film based on the Somali pirates hostage crisis

It was waaaay back in October of '09 when the first inkling that a movie based on the whole Somali pirate fiasco from a couple of years ago. Remember those days, when it suddenly seemed like the waters were no longer safe from booty seeking pirates? Actually, the real story is very heroic, featuring the brave act of one Captain Richard Phillips. When his ship, the Maersk Alabama, was raided by Somali pirates, he offered himself up as a hostage. He was ultimately rescued with one simple wave of President Obama's hand, and the rest is history.  A story ripe for Hollywood plucking, and now it's more than just talk because a pretty big name has been cast to star.


Variety reports that Tom Hanks will be starring as Phillips in the film based on the whole affair. At the time of the original story two years ago, Billy Ray(Shattered Glass) was on board to pen the script. That appears to still be the case. No director has been named as of yet.

At the time I was miffed that Sony had jumped on the film rights to the story so quickly, but now two years later I could care less. I'm just happy to see Tom Hanks getting serious in front of the camera again. He'll next be seen opposite Julia Roberts in the comedy, Larry Crowne.