Tom Hanks Will Produce IMAX Moon Mission Documentary  

"Apollo 13" star Tom Hanks is set to return to the Moon, teaming up with big-screen movie firm Imax Corp. to produce a 3D documentary about NASA's historic lunar voyages. Imax said on Wednesday the two-time Oscar winner will co-produce and likely narrate "Magnificent Desolation," which will use never before seen photographs and previously unreleased NASA footage. Hanks and Imax first announced plans for the project in December 2002, but said the 45-minute movie is now on track for a 2005 release. Mississauga, Ontario-based Imax, which is run largely from New York, relies on a steady stream of Imax-format films to fuel its main business of leasing and servicing its big-screen theater systems.

The idea for the film was reportedly conceived by the star of "Forrest Gump" and "Philadelphia" after he saw a version of "Apollo 13" that had been reformatted for Imax theaters, where the screens can soar up to eight stories high. "Exploring the Moon was humankind's most incredible road trip. Our film will bring along anyone who wants to take that giant leap for themselves," Hanks said in a statement.

"Magnificent Desolation" will be based on "The Lunar Surface Journals," an archival database that chronicles the Moon walks as recounted by the astronauts. Imax said film will include computer-generated renditions of the Moon's surface. It will be directed by Mark Cowen, who was nominated for an Emmy for his documentary "We Stand Alone Together: The Men Of Easy Company."

FMI: www.imax.com