5 Shocking New Roles And Projects That Prove Colin Hanks Is Stepping Out Of His Father's Shadow

The latest updates on Colin Hanks prove that 2024 and 2025 are shaping up to be the most pivotal years of his career, showcasing his versatility as both a director and an actor. This period marks a definitive shift for the Emmy-nominated star, who is not only helming a major documentary project but is also taking on an unexpectedly dark role that flips his established 'nice-guy' persona on its head. This is the freshest look at the actor's professional life, detailing his biggest creative leaps. The son of Hollywood legend Tom Hanks, Colin has carved out a respectable and diverse career over two decades. However, his recent slate of projects—from a highly-anticipated action sequel to a directorial debut on a beloved comedian's life—solidifies his status as a major creative force in his own right. The information below is current as of December 2025, detailing the projects that are captivating audiences and critics alike.

Colin Hanks: Full Biography and Profile

Colin Lewes Hanks (born Colin Lewes Dillingham) is an American actor, director, and producer known for his nuanced, often understated performances in both film and television. His career has been defined by roles that range from comedic to dramatically intense, allowing him to establish a distinct professional identity separate from his famous parentage.

• Full Name: Colin Lewes Hanks (Born Colin Lewes Dillingham)
• Date of Birth: November 24, 1977
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 48 years old
• Place of Birth: Sacramento, California, U.S.
• Parents: Tom Hanks (Father) and Samantha Lewes (Mother)
• Stepmother: Rita Wilson
• Spouse: Samantha Bryant (m. 2010)
• Children: Olivia Jane Hanks and Charlotte Bryant Hanks
• Notable TV Roles: Gus Grimly in Fargo, Alex Whitman in Roswell, Travis Marshall in Dexter, and Greg Short in Life in Pieces.
• Notable Film Roles: Shaun Brumder in Orange County, Preston in King Kong, and Roger in The Great Buck Howard.
• Key Achievements: Emmy Award nomination for his role in Fargo.

The Director's Chair: Colin Hanks' Major 2025 Documentary

Colin Hanks is making a huge splash behind the camera with his latest project, the documentary John Candy: I Like Me. This film is a deeply personal and moving portrait of the late, great Canadian comedian, John Candy.

The documentary is a collaboration with Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds, who serves as a producer. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the project immediately garnered significant attention for its heartfelt approach.

The film is not just a tribute; it's a comprehensive look at Candy’s life, career, and untimely loss, utilizing brilliantly curated archival materials and emotional testimonies from those who knew and worked with him. This marks a major step for Hanks as a director, moving beyond his previous work to tackle a high-profile subject with immense cultural significance. The documentary is slated for a 2025 release, making it one of the most anticipated non-fiction films of the year.

Hanks has spoken about the project's emotional weight, noting that the goal was to celebrate the comedian's legacy and introduce his work to a new generation. The involvement of Candy's children further underscores the film's intimate and authorized nature.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

The Shocking Villain Role in 'Nobody 2' (2025)

Perhaps the most surprising development in Colin Hanks' recent career is his casting in the action sequel Nobody 2. Known primarily for playing affable, good-natured characters like Gus Grimly in Fargo or the lead in comedies, Hanks is set to play a potential villain.

The film, which stars Bob Odenkirk as the retired assassin Hutch Mansell, is scheduled for an August 15, 2025, release. This role represents a significant departure from his established on-screen persona, which critics have often described as a "nice-guy" type. Taking on a dark, antagonistic role opposite an established action star like Odenkirk is a clear signal of Hanks' desire to push his acting boundaries and explore new genres.

The casting has generated considerable buzz, as audiences are eager to see Hanks shed his amiable image and embrace a more sinister side. This strategic career move is a powerful way for him to demonstrate his range and ensure he is seen as an actor capable of complex, layered performances beyond the shadow of his famous father, Tom Hanks.

2024 Film Success: The Morbid Twist of 'And Mrs.'

In 2024, Colin Hanks starred in the romantic comedy film And Mrs., which received positive attention for its unique, morbid premise. Directed by Daniel Reisinger, the film stars Aisling Bea as Gemma, whose life is turned upside down by the sudden death of her fiancé.

Hanks plays the pivotal role of Nathan, the deceased fiancé, whose death is the catalyst for the entire story. While his character is only present in flashbacks and as a memory, his performance grounds the film's emotional core, allowing the story to tackle the complex themes of grief, heartache, and unexpected romance with humor.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

The film was well-received for its blend of drop-dead hilarious moments and genuinely heartfelt emotion, further proving Hanks' ability to contribute significantly to a project even in a role that is technically limited.

Embracing Family Life and Mental Health Advocacy

Beyond his professional pursuits, Colin Hanks has also been open about his family life and his views on personal wellness. He and his wife, Samantha Bryant, share two teenage daughters, Olivia and Charlotte.

Hanks often shares humorous anecdotes about raising his children, providing a relatable glimpse into his life as a Hollywood dad. In recent interviews, he has also made significant waves by advocating for mental wellness, specifically encouraging "white men in their 40s" to consider therapy. This public stance highlights his commitment to using his platform for positive social commentary.

His willingness to discuss personal topics and his creative drive to take on challenging new roles—from directing a major documentary about John Candy to playing a villain in Nobody 2—clearly indicate that Colin Hanks is in the midst of a career renaissance. He is successfully leveraging his multifaceted talents as an actor, producer, and director to create a legacy that is distinctly his own.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje