Tom
Hanks might see irony in this umpteenth project to appear on his slate, the aptly
named " How Starbucks Saved My Life".
Universal
picked up the rights to the yet-unpublished book by Michael Gates Gill, a memoir
of his experiences going for big biz exec to the lowest denominator of the service
industry. Hanks will pile star and producer credits, via his company Playtone.
The story will
see Tom as a hot shot whose life is turned upside down when simultaneously getting
fired and dumped. A chance visit to a local coffee house puts him under the apron
for the little store, prompting the kind of new life and love he might just need.
Production is
said to be slated for later this year, under no less than Gus Van Sant in an uncharacteristically
mainstream project. Hanks's full plate also includes "Charlie Wilson's War"
which is scheduled for a September production start, as well as "The Great
Buck Howard" co-starring with his son Collin. Not to mention "The Da
Vinci Code" which might tie him up a bit for promotional purposes.
