Tom Hanks Revisits WWII 28 Years After “Saving Private Ryan”: ‘A Major European Nation…Removed from the Map’ (Exclusive)

**Tom Hanks Returns to World War II for New Documentary Series**

Renowned actor Tom Hanks is set to revisit the harrowing events of World War II in an upcoming documentary series titled *World War II with Tom Hanks*. The series is scheduled to premiere on May 25 on the History channel, bringing fresh insights into one of history’s most devastating conflicts.

Hanks, celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Captain John Miller in the 1998 film *Saving Private Ryan*, will take on dual roles in the new series, serving as both executive producer and narrator. Nearly three decades after his Oscar-nominated performance, Hanks aims to present a compelling narrative for a new generation, shedding light on the human experiences during the war.

In a recently released exclusive clip, shared with PEOPLE, the actor collaborates with historians to examine Germany’s rapid incursion into Poland. The documentary features haunting archival footage, illustrating the grim reality faced by civilians caught in the conflict. Hanks poignantly notes, “In less than a month, a major European nation has been removed from the map,” while viewers are shown images of soldiers engaged in combat and cities engulfed in chaos.

The series does not shy away from the stark realities of war. As the clip continues, viewers witness the tragic aftermath of the invasion, with Polish civilians mourning their losses and experiencing horrors unprecedented in modern warfare. Historian Jadwiga Biskupska from Sam Houston State University elaborates on the suffering endured by Polish citizens, stating, “They see people killed. It’s a nightmare.”

The documentary series aims to provide a detailed analysis of the conflict, highlighting Poland’s military capabilities at the time. Historian Alexandra Richie, a professor at Collegium Civitas in Warsaw, underlines that Poland had a formidable army, boasting the fifth-largest forces globally, equipped with modern tanks and advanced artillery. However, she points out that despite these resources, the Polish military was ultimately outclassed by the Germans, who had dedicated substantial resources to their military advancements.

As the clip closes, Hanks offers a glimpse of the resilience demonstrated by Polish forces amid overwhelming odds, emphasising their resolve to defend their homeland. He expresses admiration for their bravery, stating, “Despite those odds, the Poles are determined to defend their country.” This narrative serves to honour the fortitude of individuals who faced adversity in one of history’s darkest chapters.

The first three episodes of *World War II with Tom Hanks* are set to debut as part of the HISTORY Honors 250 campaign, which commemorates the forthcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, scheduled for July. The series promises to be an impactful exploration of historical events through the lens of personal stories and expert insights.

Hanks, who has long been an advocate for remembering the sacrifices made by individuals during the tumult of World War II, previously reflected on the lasting impact of *Saving Private Ryan*. In a 2019 interview with NBC News, he remarked on the importance of acknowledging the real people behind the statistics and names that have become synonymous with the conflict. He stated, “If we ever forget that it was a bunch of individuals that went over, and they all had names like Ernie, Buck and Robert — that’s when we’ve done a bad job of being citizens of the world, I think.”

As anticipation builds for the docuseries, *World War II with Tom Hanks* promises to engage viewers with its in-depth analysis and personal anecdotes, fostering a deeper understanding of the war and its lingering effects on society. The forthcoming premiere not only exemplifies Hanks’s commitment to storytelling but also serves as a reminder of the importance of historical memory for future generations.