Tom Hanks is often referred to as one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, but he’s set to play "the grumpiest man in America" in his new movie, A Man Called Otto. Maybe after his portrayal of Colonel Tom Parker in Elvis, Hanks is enjoying the chance to play against his typical nice guy image (though we’re guessing Otto learns some of the errors of his ways).
Many of you may already be familiar with the journey Hanks’ character is about to go on, as A Man Called Otto is based on the New York Times bestselling book A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, which actually was previously made into a movie of the same name in 2015.
What lies in store with the American remake? Here is everything we know about A Man Called Otto.
A Man Called Otto release date
After enjoying a brief run in the final days of 2022 to make sure it qualifies for Oscars, Tom Hanks' A Man Called Otto starts to expand to more markets in the US on January 4 and then rolls out in the UK on January 6. It is going to play exclusively in movie theaters everywhere starting January 13.
Here's how to watch A Man Called Otto.
A Man Called Otto plot
Anyone who has read A Man Called Otto knows the basics of what’s in store (with some American sensibilities added in to be fair). But for anyone who has not read the book, here is the official synopsis:
"A Man Called Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson, a grumpy widower who is very set in his ways. When a lively young family moves in next door, he meets his match in quick-witted and very pregnant Marisol, leading to an unlikely friendship that will turn his world upside-down. Experience a funny, heartwarming story about how some families come from the most unexpected places."
The adaptation was written by David Magee (The Life of Pi).
A Man Called Otto trailer
Tom Hanks is a great actor, but as the A Man Called Otto trailer shows, even when he is playing a grump it's just a matter of time before he warms up to everything going on around him. Watch the trailer right here:
Check out the second A Man Called Otto trailer right here:
A Man Called Otto cast
Tom Hanks doesn't really need an introduction. The two-time Oscar winner (Philadelphia, Forrest Gump) is one of the most beloved actors of all time. A Man Called Otto is this third movie in 2022 (even if it is only playing the last week of the year), following the previously mentioned Elvis and Disney's live-action remake of Pinocchio.
The rest of the A Man Called Otto cast features Mariana Treviño (Narcos: Mexico, Overboard), Rachel Keller (Tokyo Vice, Fargo), Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer, Greyhound), Christiana Montoya (The Guilty) and Alessandra Perez (Spidey and His Amazing Friends).
A Man Called Otto reviews — what the critics are saying
What to Watch's A Man Called Otto review calls the movie a charmer, with Hanks and co-star Mariana Treviño being the biggest reasons why. While there may be a few groans from some aspects, it's ultimately difficult not to be won over by it.
It seems others generally agree, as A Man Called Otto currently has a "Fresh" Rotten Tomatoes score of 68% from critics, though audiences that have seen the movie score it a bit better, with 88% giving it a thumbs up.
How long is A Man Called Otto?
A Man Called Otto has a runtime of two hours and six minutes.
What is A Man Called Otto rated?
A Man Called Otto has been given a PG-13 rating in the US and a 15 in the UK for "mature thematic material involving suicide attempts and language."
A Man Called Otto director
Behind the camera as the A Man Called Otto director is Marc Forster. This is the first time that Forster and Hanks have worked together, but he is a veteran director whose major credits include Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland, Stranger Than Fiction, World War Z and Christopher Robin.
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Michael Balderston
Michael Balderston is a DC-based entertainment and assistant managing editor for What to Watch, who has previously written about the TV and movies with TV Technology, Awards Circuit and regional publications. Spending most of his time watching new movies at the theater or classics on TCM, some of Michael's favorite movies include Casablanca, Moulin Rouge!, Silence of the Lambs, Children of Men, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and Star Wars. On the TV side he enjoys Only Murders in the Building, Yellowstone, The Boys, Game of Thrones and is always up for a Seinfeld rerun. Follow on Letterboxd.
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