Web series have taken off in a big way over the last few years, but while one or two stars have been made thanks to their participation in series, and the likes of Joss Whedon have found ways to make the format work for them, few huge Hollywood types have been all that involved. Tom Hanks has decided to be one of the first, signing on to produce and star in ‘net-based animated sci-fi series Electric City.
The series will run for 90 minutes via various Yahoo services and split into 20 chunks. And from the sounds of it, Hanks is doing far more than just adding his name to the brand so people check it out. "Tom actually created this. He wrote and he stars in the lead voice," says Yahoo’s Erin McPherson. "It is animated and it has a science fiction bent and in that way, like all great science fiction, it definitely plays on what is the best type of society to live in and themes around energy usage, conservation and sustainability." According to McPherson, the plot will dig under the surface of the titular city, exposing what seems to be a utopia as something a little more sinister.
Hanks is no stranger to animated fare given his work on the Toy Story franchise. And he’s had a long history of co-creating and overseeing projects, though it’s rare to see him do everything. Doubt he actually animated the episodes, though…