EastEnders star lands big Hollywood role alongside Tom Hanks 16 years after exit

01 March 2024 , 15:00

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The former EastEnders actor will make his big screen debut later this year (Image: BBC)

EastEnders legend Mo George is thrilled to have bagged his first Hollywood movie role a whopping 16 years after leaving the famous soap.

Mo, best known for playing Gus Smith in EastEnders from 2002 to 2008, will be making a cameo later this year in a new film named 'Here', which will see Tom Hanks reunite with an old Forrest Gump co-star.

On Thursday, Mo, 41, excitedly shared his news on social media as he posted a picture of himself donning a Royal outfit and another photo showing him in his dressing room before his fitting.

The former soap star also shared a snap of the cast with the caption: "In good company." Alongside his posts, he proudly told his followers: "My first Hollywood Film Audition and I got the part. Thanks to the American Film producers who gave me a chance to advance with my craft. Catch your Boy on the Silver screen this year. I am here because he’s up there."

Fans and famous friends were quick to congratulate Mo on his new role, with Hollyoaks actor Richard Blackwood telling the budding Hollywood star: "God's saying your timing is now! Smash it bro." In the comments underneath Mo's exciting post, one fan gushed: "That’s massive my brother!!! Very very happy for you. Up there in your rightful place!"

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

EastEnders fans will be able to see Mo George [centre] on the big screen later this year (BBC)

Mo first appeared on our screens in the BBC soap 22 years ago, quickly becoming popular as his character Gus fell in love with Sonia Fowler (played by Natalie Jackson). Mo's character's gripping plotlines included the notorious feud with Sean Slater (played by Robert Kazinsky).

In a shocking turn of events, Sean threatened to end Gus's life and fooled him into thinking he had killed and eaten Wellard the dog. Gus was left shattered when he found his girlfriend Keisha (portrayed by Suzie McGrath) in bed with Sean. He bid farewell to Walford in 2006 after revealing Sean as a cocaine dealer in a dramatic exit. Since departing Albert Square, Mohammed has turned into a full-time DJ, spinning tunes in clubs all over the UK.

But now Mo is set to make his big screen debut in Here. Here is a forthcoming American drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and penned by Eric Roth and Zemeckis. It's based on the graphic novel of the same name by Richard McGuire. The movie features Oscar winner Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, and Kelly Reilly.

The plot revolves around the events of a single room and its occupants from the past to far into the future. Here is set to hit cinemas in the United States in 2024, courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing. The film will also bring Hanks and Wright, as well as Zemeckis and Roth back together for the first time in thirty years since Forrest Gump was released in 1994.

Zoe Delaney