Tom Hanks has a new movie coming out in 2024 called Here, and though I should be anticipating it, there’s one reason why I’m more nervous than excited. Many of the best movies since the 1980s have been Tom Hanks movies. The actor originated some of the most iconic roles of the last few decades, including the eponymous Forrest Gump, Toy Story’s Woody, and the conductor from The Polar Express. Though Hanks’ career hasn’t slowed, it is still exciting when he appears in another. However, Hanks can’t necessarily save an entire movie.

There are many areas in which a movie can go horribly wrong. In the case of Here, the cast certainly isn’t a problem. Hanks is surrounded by several other talented actors. The crew, led by iconic movie director Robert Zemeckis, also looks promising. It’s unclear whether the script will be well-written, though its source material, a popular graphic novel, seems optimistic. However, Here’s complicated execution gives me pause. I wouldn’t usually be nervous, considering who stands behind this project. Yet, there’s one aspect of the film that I can’t get out of my head.

What Is Here About? Tom Hanks’ New Movie Explained

Here Follows One Plot Of Land Throughout Time

Worries aside, the movie looks like it will be an especially special one. First and foremost, Here is based on a comic-strip-turned-graphic novel of the same name by Richard McGuire. The strip, first published in 1989, documents a single house during various different time periods. Though the comic always shows the house or a single corner inside of it, each panel contains peeks at all its different iterations throughout the past and future. Readers see the barnyard that once stood before the house and the open-air concerts that take place once the house is torn down.

Considering how abstract the Here comics are, I love imagining how Robert Zemeckis’ movie will be. I assume the movie will remain within the single house, just like the graphic novel, but I look forward to seeing how dialogue and character will play into the film. While the comics include recurring characters, they tend to move through the space rather than occupy it in a solid scene. With such a star-studded cast, I’m eager to see how Zemeckis stays true to the source material while also making use of his actors. It is going to be an interesting endeavor.

Here’s De-Aging Is A Big Concern After Previous Robert Zemeckis Movies

Robert Zemeckis Loves Experimenting With Visual Effects

Despite the distinctive premise and strong source material, Here still has me nervous for one specific reason. Robert Zemeckis is using de-aging technology. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Zemeckis is using a new AI technology in the making of Here, which will face-swap and de-age the actors in real-time. This eliminates the need to use special effects in post-production. In general, de-aging is a pretty controversial and difficult trend to nail. For the most part, de-aging in movies has been disappointing rather than exciting. In this way, I’m worried the de-aging in Tom Hanks’ new movie could ruin the film.

Furthermore, I’m worried about Zemeckis’ participation in this new technology. Notably, Zemeckis has become famous for his love of visual effects. The director has experimented with various technologies throughout his career, including computer graphics and hand-drawn animation in live-action films. Some strong examples are Forrest Gump and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. While Zemeckis’ technology has been ground-breaking, it is also risky. Sometimes, Zemeckis’ visual effects can distract from the greater story. De-aging is already a precarious addition, so if it goes wrong, Here could be in serious peril.

De-Aging Aside, Here Is An Exciting Movie

Here Has Plenty Going For It

Hopefully, my fears about Here will not come true. However, if they do, the movie could still be a success. There are many elements of Here that make it a compelling release. The cast and crew are obviously impressive, but it is more than just their talent that makes them strong. Here will see the reunion of Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, along with Robert Zemeckis and Eric Roth, for the first time since Forrest Gump. Notably, Forrest Gump earned Zemeckis his first Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture. In this way, Here should be pretty monumental.

Ultimately, there is no telling how Here will turn out. It is a movie with so much going for it, yet it has a giant risk hanging over its head. Unfortunately, we won’t know the final verdict until the movie’s release on November 15, 2024. However, until then, I will continue to believe that Robert Zemeckis can make this work. Perhaps Here will be one of the first instances of de-aging done right.