Sony has acquired the worldwide rights to "A Man Called Otto", a comedy starring Tom Hanks that's an English-language remake based on the Swedish book and film "A Man Called Ove".

The sale marks the largest deal to date at the virtual European Film Market, surpassing Netflix’s $55 million acquisition of “The Pale Blue Eye” last year.

Marc Forster is attached to direct the film, and David Magee is writing the script based on Fredrik Backman’s book. Ove has been renamed Otto for the Americanized film version of the story.

Based on Fredrik Backman’s bestselling novel “A Man Called Ove,” the film tells the story of Otto (Hanks), a grumpy and strict widower who holds the rest of his neighborhood to his staunch rules. But just as Otto is about to give up on his life, he sparks a new friendship with his neighbors, prompting him to undergo a transformation.

Production on the film is set to begin this month in Pittsburgh, Penn. The cast includes Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. Oscar-nominated writer David Magee is adapting the screenplay and will serve as an executive producer.

Source: Press Release