Pacino, 75, who takes on a role a little out of his comfort zone with "Danny Collins", said he liked the script because it reminded him of the kind of movie that Hanks would get involved with, reported Contactmusic.
"I like the idea that Danny was someone who was a bit fragile in a way. Tom Hanks, who I'm a big fan of, I think he's a great actor - I've written him fan mail - I thought this is an opportunity for me to play my first Tom Hanks role. It's inspiring, it inspired me," Pacino said.
The actor admitted that while playing the role his confidence was sometimes lacking.
"When a director really wants you to play this part, you have to say, 'Okay already, alright, I'll do it!' I did that with 'The Godfather', believe it or not'... I didn't know what he saw in me as Michael Corleone but he was so adamant," he added.
"Danny Collins" will hit theatres on May 29.