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The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece

By: Tom Hanks
Narrated by: Tom Hanks, Peter Gerety, Natalie Morales, Ego Nwodim, Nasim Pedrad, Connor Ratliff, Holland Taylor, Rita Wilson, full cast
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Publisher's summary

From the legendary actor and best-selling author: a novel about the making of a star-studded, multimillion-dollar superhero action film...and the humble comic books that inspired it. Funny, touching, and wonderfully thought-provoking, while also capturing the changes in America and American culture since World War II.

"Wild, ambitious and exceptionally enjoyable."—Matt Haig, best-selling author The Midnight Library, The Humans and Reasons to Stay Alive

Part One of this story takes place in 1947. A troubled soldier, returning from the war, meets his talented five-year-old nephew, leaves an indelible impression, and then disappears for twenty-three years.

Cut to 1970: The nephew, now drawing underground comic books in Oakland, California, reconnects with his uncle and, remembering the comic book he saw when he was five, draws a new version with his uncle as a World War II fighting hero.

Cut to the present day: A commercially successful director discovers the 1970 comic book and decides to turn it into a contemporary superhero movie.

Cue the cast: We meet the film’s extremely difficult male star, his wonderful leading lady, the eccentric writer/director, the producer, the gofer production assistant, and everyone else on both sides of the camera.

Bonus material: Interspersed throughout are three comic books that are featured in the story—all created by Tom Hanks himself—including the comic book that becomes the official tie-in to this novel’s "major motion picture masterpiece."

*Includes a downloadable PDF of the comics from the book and a QR code for access to the original screenplay of Knightshade: The Lathe of Firefall

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Tom Hanks (P) 2023 Random House Audio
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Critic reviews

"The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece is its own universe, complete with a sun, a cast of circling planets, and a limitless number of stars. Its gravity pulls you in and its far reaching, multi-layered, rollicking exuberance holds you in place. I would have been happy to live inside this book forever." —Ann Patchett, best-selling author of These Precious Days

"This is a wild, ambitious and exceptionally enjoyable novel. A story about how stories happen, with a swirling kaleidoscope of characters across the best part of a century, and a real beating emotional heart. It has a lot of astute and fascinating things to say about comic books, movies, show business, America and human beings. I loved every page." —Matt Haig; author The Midnight Library, The Humans and Reasons to Stay Alive

"An extravagant, buoyant, joyfully sprawling book, bursting with affection for its characters, for the intricate lore of the movie business, and for the many ways in which human beings are one another's greatest opportunity." —Tana French, award-winning novelist of In The Woods and The Searcher

Featured Article: Hit the Open Highway with the 40+ Best Road Trip Listens for Your Next Journey


It takes more than great storytelling to be the right fit for each type of road trip. What works for a cross-country adventure may not be quite right for a quick day trip. What you listen to with your significant other may not be (read: is definitely not) the same as what you listen to with a carload of kids. And when driving solo, sometimes what you want is a little company. No matter what kind of journey you have coming up, we’ve got you covered.

Editorial Review

Tell me a story, Tom
If I had to describe what listening to this story was like as a place, this is how I’d put it: Picture a friendly pub with a roaring fire and enough bustle to make it feel lively, but not so much noise that you couldn’t have a conversation. And there are big, comfy chairs because it’s all about sinking in and letting Tom tell his stories without skipping a single detail. By the time the story gets into all the action, you're hooked, mesmerized, and eager to keep listening to every character that joins in on the storytelling—each anchored by the dynamic and affable voice of Tom Hanks. It’s comforting, invigorating, and time will go by way too quickly as you listen. —Tricia F., Audible Editor

What listeners say about The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece

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Wonderful

I really like this book. It is a clever story …laid out in pieces and then so cleverly tied together. And Tom’s narration and character portrayal are very easy listen to. Makes the characters come to life. The other actors are great as well. I enjoyed it a lot.

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Stick with it, start slow but gets better and better

I'd read the first 1/3 of the book a three. Just too slow. The second and third gets a four. Much better but sometimes way over the top with the detail. The last third gets a five it really comes together starting with the introduction of Ike into the fray. I did enjoy it and it gives you great insight and would really like to make a film.

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An outstanding listen!!

As I was listening to this truly wonderful story, you came to Portland to a typewriter shop.
We all saw it on the news.
You are loved!!
Thank you for a super interesting look into the making of the whole movie, and WoW what a movie!
I could see it in my head as you read

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The best narration ever by Tom Hanks

The performance of Tom Hanks and the cast was outstanding. I could personally listen to Tom Hanks narrate for days. The detail of all of the different aspects of a home from beginning to end was fascinating. Tom Hanks definitely needs to write and perform another audiobook.

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A great book.

At first I thought 15 hours was too long of a book. By the end I wished it went on and on.

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I enjoyed it

A little boring and tedious in the beginning, but enjoyed the remainder. Loved the Tom Hanks narration!

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Great story

I loved every minute! The performers were excellent , and even the technical aspects were very well explained so old hicks like me can understand a little of what the process is. Thanks

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Stellar Story

I finished this book in two days. I couldn’t stop listening. A wonder-filled, authentic story about movie making (yes I’ve been part of the movie business). This took me right back on set. Tom Hanks proves here he is not only an iconic actor but also a magical storyteller. The multiple story lines blend seamlessly bringing all of the characters alive. If you are at all interested in moviemaking this is a must read. Only interested in a meaty story? You won’t be disappointed.

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Engaging story from the ultimate movie insider

Thanks Tom for a peek into your world. This is a love letter to everyone behind the scenes who makes the films in which you shine. I love the strong female characters. Can’t wait to see THIS as a motion picture.

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Couldn’t stop listening

An amazing book exploring all of the intricacies of making a movie told in a tale of wonderful characters. Love Tom!

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