Streep, Domingo, Hader and Waits Added to 'Lincoln in the Bardo' Voice Cast
Meryl Streep, Colman Domingo, Bill Hader, and Tom Waits have joined the cast of 'Lincoln in the Bardo,' a hybrid animated and live-action film directed by Duke Johnson. Streep will voice multiple roles, while Domingo, Hader, and Waits take on ghost and demon characters. The film is based on George Saunders' novel about Abraham Lincoln and his deceased son.
The film pairs live-action sequences with stop-motion animation, a technical approach that mirrors the novel's blend of historical record and supernatural invention. Streep's four distinct voice roles span both celestial and infernal figures, while Domingo's character, a former slave, seeks a transformative meeting with the president. Waits' dancehall performer ghost and Hader's rake character round out the cemetery's spectral population.
Saunders adapted his own best-selling novel, which fictionalizes the grief of President Lincoln following the death of his eleven-year-old son Willie. The production team includes Playtone's Hanks and Gary Goetzman alongside Starburns Industries, with sales representation set for the Toronto International Film Festival market.
This project could draw significant attention to hybrid animation techniques in prestige filmmaking, potentially expanding how studios approach literary adaptations. The ensemble casting may broaden audience appeal beyond typical animated features, inviting viewers interested in historical drama and experimental storytelling. The film's themes of grief and connection could resonate widely, though its unconventional format may limit mainstream reach. Industry observers may watch whether this approach influences future adaptations of complex literary works.