Fact-O-Meter: Before Tom Hanks, Three Actors Had Turned Down Forrest Gump!

Starring Tom Hanks in an iconic role of a person with a below-average IQ of 75, the film is undoubtedly amongst the greatest works of all time.

By
Koimoi.com Team
- September 4, 2020 | 5:18 PM IST
• Follow Us
• Join Us

Released in 1994, Forrest Gump still holds a special place in film enthusiasts’ heart and will weave magic even in the coming generations. Starring Tom Hanks in an iconic role of a person with a below-average IQ of 75, the film is undoubtedly amongst the greatest works of all time.

We all know, how Hanks transformed drastically for the titular role. Be it pronouncing Southern accent or nailing the naive mannerisms, the actor pulled it off brilliantly. One can say that Hanks did all justice to his character and it’s hard to imagine anyone else in his place.

But did you know that Tom Hanks wasn’t the first choice for Forrest Gump? In fact, not even second or third. Initially, the film was offered to Bill Murray, John Travolta, and Chevy Chase. All three of them turned down the role and eventually, our true Gump came on the board. And the rest is history!

View Quiz

Forrest Gump was a huge commercial and critical success. Critics termed Tom Hanks’ performance as “one of the best in history”. Even on IMDb, the film is rated 8.8 out of 10 accounting more than 15 lakh votes. Made on the budget of $55 million, it went onto rake in $677 million, as per Box Office Mojo.

Reports even state that John Travolta even expressed his regret for rejecting the role post film’s historic success.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Forrest Gump also features Michael Conner Humphreys (young Gump), Robin Wright, Hanna R. Hall, Gary Sinise and others in key roles.

Must Read: Fact-O-Meter: When Tom Hanks’ Method Acting Cost Him Staph Infection & Near-Death Experience!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube