Tom Hanks is having a moment. After reprising his iconic voice role in Toy Story 5 and narrating the docuseries World War II With Tom Hanks, the two-time Oscar winner is also riding a wave of streaming success with a film that's quietly become a phenomenon. Greyhound, the World War II naval thriller Hanks wrote and starred in, has emerged as one of Apple TV+'s most enduring hits—and with a sequel now in production, its legacy is only growing.
Released in 2020, Greyhound was originally slated for a theatrical release, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a last-minute pivot. Apple TV+ stepped in to distribute the film directly to streaming, a move Hanks initially resisted. Over time, however, the actor has expressed gratitude to the streamer for giving the project a home. And it's paid off: more than five years later, Greyhound still ranks in Apple TV+'s global top 10, quietly becoming one of the platform's biggest movies ever.
What Is 'Greyhound' About?
Set in the treacherous waters of the Atlantic during World War II, Greyhound follows Commander Ernest Krause (Hanks), a devout and battle-tested officer on his first wartime command. He leads an Allied convoy of 37 ships through the deadliest stretch of ocean on Earth, relentlessly hunted by German U-boat wolf packs. The film also stars Stephen Graham and delivers a taut, emotional thriller that critics and audiences alike have praised for its authenticity and tension.
For fans of war cinema, Greyhound stands alongside Hanks' earlier collaborations with Steven Spielberg, including Saving Private Ryan and the Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air. It's a gripping addition to the genre that has clearly resonated with streaming audiences.
A Sequel Is on the Way
Given the film's massive streaming success, Apple TV+ greenlit a sequel years ago. After a lengthy development period, Greyhound 2 finally began production earlier this year in Australia, with cameras still rolling. While an official release date hasn't been announced, insiders suggest it could arrive as soon as 2026. The sequel is expected to continue Krause's harrowing journey, and anticipation is building among fans of the original.
As the streaming landscape evolves, Greyhound proves that a well-crafted war film can find a massive audience outside theaters. For those who haven't seen it yet, the original is available now on Apple TV+. And if you're hungry for more under-the-radar streaming hits, check out our list of Hidden Gems: 10 Unexpected Movies That Rival Cinema's Greatest Masterpieces.
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