Zemeckis Takes Tom Hanks On 'Polar Express'

Tom Hanks has firmed up his next two starring roles. He'll first take a steam train to the North Pole in the Robert Zemeckis-directed "Polar Express," then play a thief in the Coen brothers-directed remake of "The Ladykillers" at Touchstone, reports Variety.

Hanks laid the tracks several years ago at Castle Rock for a CGI adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg's celebrated picture book "Polar Express."

The project, about a boy whose belief in Santa Claus results in a fantasy trip to the North Pole aboard a magical train, has recently gathered a full head of steam. Robert Zemeckis has been working on the script with "Cast Away" scribe William Broyles, and the film is nearly set for a February start date.

Pic is being eyed for a holiday 2004 release, with Hanks playing the train conductor in what might be the most CGI-ambitious holiday film since "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."