RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks will be in Virginia later this year to film portions of his new movie “Captain Phillips,” the Governor’s Office announced Wednesday.
Hanks will play Captain Richard Phillips. Phillips was captain of the Maersk Alabama when it was hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009.
“When Tom Hanks last spent time in the Commonwealth it was as Executive Producer of the award-winning miniseries John Adams,” noted Governor McDonnell in a statement. “I am pleased to welcome him, along with the entire Captain Phillips team, back to Virginia with this story of modern-day heroism on the part of Captain Richard Phillips and the Navy SEALs whose daring actions resulted in his ultimate release.”
Filming will take place in Virginia Beach.
“For its proximity and accessibility to the Atlantic Ocean, and as a vital base for the U.S. Navy, we look forward to filming in Virginia,” said director Paul Greengrass in a statement.
Catherine Keener will play the captain’s wife, Andrea Phillips. The film is based on the book, A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea, by Captain Richard Phillips and Stephan Talty.
The movie is scheduled to open in March 2013.
