Meg Ryan to reunite with Tom Hanks in her directorial debut, ‘Ithaca’

Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks together again? Is it 1998 all of a sudden?

Obviously, it’s no longer the 1990s, but the erstwhile rom-com queen and king aren't going to let a little thing like the decade keep them apart.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Ryan and Hanks (the stars of modern rom-com classics like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You've Got Mail”) are set to re-team for “Ithaca,” an adaptation of William Saroyan's 1943 novel “The Human Comedy.” The movie will also be Ryan’s directorial debut.

Despite the novel's title, “Ithaca” will not be a romantic comedy. The movie centres on a young bike messenger named Homer Macauley, who is left to care for his family while his older brother is off fighting in the war. Ryan and Hanks will star opposite Sam Shepard, Melanie Griffith, and Jack Quaid (Ryan's son with ex-husband Dennis Quaid).

"Ithaca" will be Ryan and Hanks' fourth collaboration, and the first time the two have shared the big screen in 16 years. In addition to 1992's "Sleepless in Seattle" and 1998's "You've Got Mail" (both directed by Nora Ephron), the popular on-screen duo also starred together in the 1990 adventure romantic comedy "Joe Versus the Volcano."

It's been a quiet few years for Ryan, an unfortunately all-too-common pattern for former A-list actresses over 40. She's cropped up on the small screen in recent years, on shows like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Web Therapy." By taking the directing reins on "Ithaca," Ryan is clearly signalling that she's ready to get back into the movie business.

There are certainly worse partners to have than Tom Hanks. But 16 years is a long time! Will the two retain that on-screen chemistry that made their previous joint ventures such successes? Only time will tell.

Are you excited to see Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks together again on the big screen? Let us know in the comments.