Hanks, Roth to pair on 'Cold Case'

LOS ANGELES, June 19 (UPI) -- Universal Pictures has set Mark Romanek ("One Hour Photo") to direct and Eric Roth to adapt "A Cold Case," the fact-based drama that will star Tom Hanks.

The flick is being readied for a possible production start next year when Hanks' schedule clears up after he completes starring for Steven Spielberg in "Terminal" at DreamWorks, Daily Variety reports.

Bought by Playtone when it was a New Yorker article, "A Cold Case" concerns Gotham district attorney's chief investigator Andy Rosenzweig. Before he retires, he vows to solve the 27-year-old murder of a friend, even though the case couldn't be colder. It is a crime that has haunted him his entire career.

Hanks, who is producing with Playtone partner Gary Goetzman, will play Rosenzweig.

The deal reunites Hanks with Roth. The pair worked together on "Forrest Gump," which won Oscars for Roth, Hanks, director Robert Zemeckis and as best picture.

Hanks just completed the Playtone-produced "Polar Express" for Zemeckis.