Tom Hanks officially signs on for Kathryn Bigelow’s next film

Kathryn Bigelow’s highly anticipated follow-up to THE HURT LOCKER, TRIPLE FRONTIER, has seen a number of A-list stars rumored to be joining the production. From Sean Penn to Johnny Depp to Will Smith, a number of actors have been interested but today, the first actor has officially signed on. Coming Soon is reporting that Tom Hanks will star in the film, set to begin production in March.

Producer Charles Roven told the site that Hanks was cast in the film and any of those previously mentioned actors could still be in consideration as he added that they’re still working on casting other major roles in the ensemble film.

While the exact plot is unclear, it’s expected to be a TRAFFIC-style tale of interweaving plotlines revolving around the tri-border area of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil, which is home to organized crime, terrorists and other assorted nogoodniks.

While there were some rumors that FRONTIER would be retitled to SLEEPING DOGS, Roven specifically referred to the film by its original (and better) title. Hanks is currently finishing up editing his latest directorial effort, the upcoming comedy LARRY CROWNE with Julia Roberts.