While we see streaming services snatch up exclusive rights to talent all over the world, it appears that Apple TV+ is wanting to stay in the Tom Hanks business as much as humanly possible. After debuting his war film, “Greyhound,” on the streaming platform last year and signing on to produce and finance his WWII series, “Masters of the Air,” Apple isn’t done working with the Oscar-winning actor, nabbing the distribution rights to his upcoming awards contender, “Finch.”
According to Deadline, the distribution rights for the upcoming film “Finch,” formerly known as “Bios,” has been purchased by Apple TV+. The film stars Tom Hanks and was originally set to be released by Universal in theaters over the summer. However, it appears, now, that Apple TV+ is setting up “Finch” for a fall release in limited theaters (for awards consideration) before debuting on the streaming platform.
Directed by “Game of Thrones” alum, Miguel Sapochnik, “Finch” tells the story of a robotics engineer (Hanks), his dog, and a robot (Caleb Landry Jones), as they embark on a quest in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. The goal is for the robotics engineer to find a place for his dog to be cared for by the robot in peace. So yeah, it feels a bit like “Mad Max” meets “A.I.” with a dash of “Lassie” thrown in for good measure. “Finch” is written by Craig Luck and Ivor Powell, and the film is produced by Amblin.
READ MORE: ‘Bios’: Tom Hanks’ Post-Apocalyptic Film Moves Back Release 4 Months To Late Summer
As mentioned, it appears that Apple TV+ is hoping that “Finch” can be an awards contender for later this year, and as we know, anything with Tom Hanks attached is always looked at with an eye towards trophies. And with Netflix leading all studios in Oscars wins this year, Apple TV+ is trying to play catch up by nabbing a high-profile film like “Finch.”
A specific release date has yet to be announced, but “Finch” is expected to arrive later this year.