Tom Hanks says the release of his new movie, “Greyhound” on Apple TV+ instead of in theaters is an “absolute heartbreak.” The film star made the comments during an interview with the Guardian.
The veteran actor is making the virtual interview rounds to promote the new film, which will premiere on Apple TV+ on July 10.
The film, which was intended to be a theatrical release, is instead being offered to viewers through the Apple-owned Apple TV+ streaming service, thanks to the majority of theaters remaining closed around the world.
Hanks sais he’s disappointed in the move to the small screen, saying the change in plans as “an absolute heartbreak.”
“I don’t mean to make angry my Apple overlords, but there is a difference in picture and sound quality,” offers Hanks.
A May report about the film claimed Apple reportedly paid Sony Pictures around $70 million after winning an auction handled by CAA Media Finance and FilmNation.
Hanks also took the opportunity to poke fun at “the cruel whip masters at Apple” over the blank wall background Hanks was required to use for the interviews, presumably so journalists wouldn’t spend the entire interview examining Hanks’ office. Hanks commented that it’s as if he is in “a witness protection program. But here I am, bowing to the needs of Apple TV.”
In the film, Hanks stars as a longtime Navy veteran who, as a first-time captain, is tasked with protecting a convoy of 37 ships carrying thousands of soldiers and much-needed supplies across the treacherous waters of the Atlantic during World War II. For five days with no air cover, the captain and his small force of three escort ships must make their way through an area of the ocean known as “the Black Pit,” battling Nazi U-boats while protecting their invaluable ships and soldiers. “Greyhound” is inspired by events during the Battle of the Atlantic, which took place in the earliest months of America’s alliance with Great Britain and the Allied Forces. Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan, and Elisabeth Shue star alongside Hanks. “Greyhound” was written by Tom Hanks, directed by Aaron Schneider and produced by Gary Goetzman.
The film is a Playtone Production from Sony Pictures Entertainment/Stage 6 Films, in association with Bron Creative, Zhengfu Pictures, Sycamore Pictures, and FilmNation Entertainment.
The release of his new film isn’t the first time Hanks’ life has been affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus, as he and his wife, Rita Wilson were both infected with the virus during a trip to Australia in March. The couple was hospitalized for three days.
(Via AppleInsider)