The Polar Express is a 2004 American 3D computer-animated fantasy film based on the 1985 children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. The film was produced by Robert Zemeckis’ ImageMovers Digital and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The story tells of a young boy who, on Christmas Eve, boards a magical train that takes him to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. The film stars Tom Hanks, who voices the protagonist, five-year-old Hero Boy, and also the other characters in the film.

The film’s development process began in 1998, when Tom Hanks was cast in the …