Meg Ryan Tom Hanks Reunite for World War II Film `Ithaca’; Meg Ryan Makes Her Directorial Debut in New Adaptation of `The Human Comedy,’ Originally Starring Mickey Rooney

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are reuniting for a new version of the classic novel "The Human Comedy," called "Ithaca." The novel was adapted once before in a movie classic starring Mickey Rooney, but more on that later. "Ithaca" will be Meg Ryan's directorial debut. Tom Hanks will be executive producer.

The last time we saw Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks together was when she showed up at the opening night of Hanks' Broadway turn in the play "Lucky Guy" at Gotham Hall in April 2013.

In a statement, Meg Ryan said "'Ithaca' is a deceptively simple story, by turns stark and lyrical. It's sometimes shockingly unsentimental and yet, by some little miracle, never cynical. I am delighted to no end to bring a tale of such vibrancy and heart to the screen."

According to multiple media reports, "Sleepless in Seattle" co-stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan may also have an on-screen reunion. Hanks is reportedly in talks to make a cameo appearance in "Ithaca."

The new Meg Ryan movie is an adaption of William Saroyan's 1943 novel "The Human Comedy."

"Ithaca" takes place in a small town in the San Joaquin Valley in 1942, where a a 14-year-old bike messenger delivers telegrams during World War II while caring for his widowed mother and younger siblings.

It was first reported in January that Hanks would executive produce "Ithaca," but this is the first report that he will also appear in the film.

"The Human Comedy" came out in 1943. It was directed by Clarence Brown and the screenplay was adapted by Howard Estabrook. Although it is believed that the movie was based on the William Saroyan novel, Saroyan wrote the screenplay first but was fired from the movie and turned the screenplay into a novel.

The film starred Mickey Rooney with Frank Morgan, yes the Wizard in "The Wizard of Oz." Also in the movie were James Craig, Marsha Hunt, Fay Bainter, Ray Collins, Van Johnson, Donna Reed and Jackie 'Butch' Jenkins.

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan first teamed onscreen for the comedy "Joe Versus the Volcano," but reunited for the classic romcoms "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail."

"Ithaca" starts shooting next month in Virginia.