If you’ve been looking for news on tom hanks, you probably noticed something kinda weird lately. Usually, he’s the guy on the poster, the face we see in every big summer blockbuster. But as we kick off 2026, the 69-year-old actor is pivoting. He’s leaning hard into his "Professor Hanks" era.
Honestly, the biggest story right now isn't a new rom-com or a tear-jerker. It’s a massive 20-episode documentary series called World War II with Tom Hanks.
It’s scheduled for a global rollout this year on The History Channel and Sky History. He’s not just narrating it; he’s the "presenter." That means he’s actually on camera, walking us through archival footage and talking to historians. It’s basically the culmination of a lifelong obsession. You’ve seen him in Saving Private Ryan and Greyhound, but this is different. It’s personal.
The Greyhound Sequel and the Apple TV+ Empire
People keep asking if he’s done with movies. Not even close.
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The latest news on tom hanks confirms he’s currently back in the captain's chair—literally. Production on the Greyhound sequel, often referred to as Greyhound 2, finally ramped up this January.
Remember the first one? It was that intense U-boat thriller that hit Apple TV+ when theaters were shut down in 2020. This new chapter is reportedly moving the action from the Atlantic to the Pacific, following Captain Krause from the beaches of Normandy across the globe.
He’s writing the screenplay himself. Again.
It’s part of a massive multi-year deal his production company, Playtone, has with Apple. They’ve basically become the go-to factory for high-end historical dramas. If you liked Masters of the Air, you’re probably going to love what’s coming next. They’re also working on a series adaptation of Philip Kerr’s Berlin Noir novels.
Is Everything Okay? Addressing the Health Rumors
You can’t talk about news on tom hanks without addressing the "shaking hands" video that went viral.
Last year, a clip from a public appearance showed his hands trembling while he held a microphone. Naturally, the internet went into a tailspin. Was it Parkinson’s? Was he ill?
The truth is usually less dramatic. Hanks has been open about living with Type 2 diabetes since 2013. He’s 69. He works like a dog.
While there hasn't been any official "diagnosis" announcement in 2026, those close to him say he’s just managing the usual rigors of age and a chronic condition. He’s still incredibly active. He was just seen crashing a wedding in New York (which he apparently does for fun now) and looked as energetic as ever.
Toy Story 5 and the Return of Woody
For the parents out there, the most important news on tom hanks involves a certain plastic cowboy.
Disney confirmed that Toy Story 5 is officially on the calendar for a 2026 release. Yes, Woody and Buzz are coming back.
It’s sort of a "break glass in case of emergency" move for Pixar, but let’s be real: we’re all going to watch it. Hanks has already started voice work. He’s mentioned in interviews that the script deals with "the new enemy" of toys—technology. It’s a bit meta, considering Hanks himself has been fighting off AI deepfakes using his face to sell "miracle drugs" on Instagram recently.
What's Next for the "Nicest Guy in Hollywood"?
If you want to keep up with what he's actually doing, look toward the stage and the streamers. He’s moving away from the "Leading Man" pressure and toward the "Storyteller" role.
- Watch the WWII Series: Keep an eye on The History Channel schedule for the 20-episode drop.
- Check Apple TV+: The Greyhound sequel likely won't hit screens until late 2026 or early 2027, but the Berlin Noir series is in active development.
- Ignore the Junk: If you see an ad with Tom Hanks selling a "brain-boosting pill," it’s a scam. He’s been very vocal about this.
Basically, Tom Hanks is doing exactly what you’d expect a legend to do. He's stopped trying to prove he can play every role and started focusing on the stories that he actually cares about. Whether it’s a documentary or a fifth Toy Story, he’s still the most trusted voice in the room.
If you're planning to catch up on his recent work, start with Here or The Phoenician Scheme, which both showcase his late-career range before he fully dives into the Greyhound sequel.