The first novels by American actor Tom Hanks and Canadian actor Keanu Reeves will be released in French translation at the beginning of 2026. The first honors the world of cinema, while the second delves into the realm of science fiction.
In the book “The Making of a Cinematic Masterpiece” (Naissance d’un chef d’oeuvre du cinéma), which will be available in French bookstores starting January 16 after its initial release in the United States in 2023, Hanks (69) recounts the extraordinary details of filming a big-budget superhero movie.
The publisher noted that the actor, famous for his roles in “Forrest Gump” and “Apollo 13,” offers “an inside look at the immense effort required to produce a film.”
“A Book from Another World”
For his part, Canadian Keanu Reeves (61) has added the title of novelist to his roles as actor, director, and musician with his novel “A Book from Another World” (Le livre d’ailleurs), which he co-wrote with British novelist China Miéville.
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This novel, which follows the journey of an immortal warrior, was written in parallel with the comic book series (BRZRKR), which Reeves also helped create.
The books by Hanks and Reeves are among many English-language works whose French translations are being released during the January literary season.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, establishing itself through a revolutionary war and the ratification of its Constitution in 1789. It grew from thirteen original colonies into a global superpower, with a history significantly shaped by westward expansion, the Civil War, and large-scale immigration. Its diverse culture is a product of its indigenous heritage, colonial past, and its role as a nation of immigrants.
France
France is a Western European country with a rich and complex history, dating from Celtic and Roman settlements to its formation as a unified kingdom under the Capetian dynasty. It became a global center of art, science, and philosophy during the Enlightenment and was the site of the influential French Revolution in 1789. Today, it is known for its cultural landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, its cuisine, and its significant role in world affairs.
French bookstores
French bookstores, known as “librairies,” are a cherished part of France’s cultural landscape, historically serving as intellectual hubs in cities and towns. Their tradition dates back centuries, with iconic Parisian establishments like Shakespeare and Company gaining fame in the 20th century for fostering literary communities. They remain vital spaces for promoting literature, debate, and the French language.
Forrest Gump
“Forrest Gump” is a 1994 American film, not a physical place or cultural site, that follows the life of a kind-hearted man with a low IQ who unwittingly influences several major historical events in the United States during the mid-20th century. The film is a cultural landmark in cinema, renowned for its use of visual effects to insert the protagonist into archival footage and for its iconic quotes and soundtrack.
Apollo 13
Apollo 13 was the seventh crewed mission in NASA’s Apollo program, intended to land on the moon in April 1970. The mission became famous for an in-flight oxygen tank explosion, which forced the crew to abort the landing and use the lunar module as a lifeboat for a perilous return to Earth.
BRZRKR
“BRZRKR” is a comic book series created by Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt, published by Boom! Studios, which began in 2021. The story follows an immortal warrior, known as B., who works for the U.S. government in exchange for the truth about his violent, millennia-long existence.
