Hanks spaces out for new film

Tom Hanks is heading back to outer space - in a live-action film based on a vintage astronaut action figure.

The actor will star as Major Matt Mason in the currently untitled movie, based on the 1966 Mattel action man which was retired by the company in the 1970s.

The Mattel character was the leader of an astronaut team that worked on the moon and lived in a space station.

Hanks has previously starred in space-themed films including 1995's 'Apollo 13' and 'From the Earth to the Moon', in 1998.

Hanks will also co-produce the film, according to Daily Variety.