And directorMarielle Helleris here to help with a bit of Hollywood catharsis.
I approached every decision with the movie as: How would Fred approach this?
How can we treat everybody with a level of emotional empathy and compassion that shows that we value everyone?
Credit: Lacey Terrell/Sony
That was his main message:Everyoneis valued.
Below, Heller details how she wove together other elements most essential for a neighborly day in beautywood.
We lit it with the actual lights that had lit Mister Rogers.
Lacey Terrell/Sony
That is, until Hanks walks out.
His performance is so powerful that, a few seconds later, you forget, and its gone.
Hes got a loud voice; he walks into a room and you know that hes there!
Fred sat in silence and stillness in a way I dont think Tom naturally does, she explains.
Tom Hanks naturally makes everyone comfortable, puts everyone at ease, and makes everyone feel great.
Fred disarmed people by asking a question and then sitting and staring at you until you answered.
This will feel very different from how youve seen him before.
[We want you to feel] like youre really there.
We recreated Mr. McFeelys costume, but his bag is the original, says Heller.
Every tie [Hanks] wears is a real tie of Freds.
I dont know what to do with it!
Heller didnt, however, use the actual puppets like Daniel the Tiger from the Rogers vault.
Heller recalls with a laugh.
They couldnt believe it!
Moviegoers can judge for themselves whenA Beautiful Day in the Neighborhoodstrolls into theaters Friday, Nov. 22.
Check out EWs exclusive photos above.
