Regardless of their personal preferences, affiliations, or background, virtually anyone who has been a movie enthusiast over the past four decades can unanimously agree on the greatness of Tom Hanks. Hanks stands as one of the most accomplished and esteemed actors of not only his generation but also of any era. The presence of Hanks in any film instantly turns it into a significant occasion.
It is nearly impossible to envision anyone other than Hanks taking on the roles in his diverse repertoire. From Apollo 13 to Sleepless in Seattle, from Philadelphia to The Da Vinci Code, from Big to Catch Me If You Can, from Forrest Gump to Saving Private Ryan, each entry in Hanks’ filmography bears the mark of his undeniable talent and charm.
Renowned Actors Have Missed The Chance To Work With Hanks
The success of a movie featuring Tom Hanks is almost a guarantee, either in terms of critical acclaim or box office performance. Any professional actor in the world would consider themselves fortunate to receive an offer to star alongside America’s beloved middle-aged icon in a major film.
However, for various reasons, several prominent stars, many of whom are equally or even more renowned than Hanks, had to decline the opportunity. These instances of casting near-misses, resulting from rejections, whether polite or not, have led to intriguing what-if scenarios in movies involving Tom Hanks.
Sleepless in Seattle not only achieved remarkable commercial success as a romantic comedy in 1993 but also established itself as arguably the most enduring film of its genre throughout the entire decade. The movie brought together Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, who had previously portrayed on-screen love interests in the cult comedy Joe Vs. the Volcano back in 1989. However, the movie was first offered to Julia Roberts, but unfortunately, she couldn’t do it.
Ricky Gervais Missed A Golden Chance To Work With Tom Hanks
During the mid-2000s, Ricky Gervais, renowned for his comedic talent and writing skills, experienced a surge in popularity and demand within the entertainment industries of both the United States and the United Kingdom. This acclaim came after his co-creation of the original BBC version of The Office, where he portrayed the detestable and cringe-worthy character David Brent.
In addition, Gervais received an enticing opportunity to portray Rèmy Jean, the assistant to the antagonist Sir Leigh Teabing (played by Ian McKellen), in the film adaptation of Dan Brown’s blockbuster novel The Da Vinci Code. Directed by Ron Howard, the movie featured Tom Hanks in the lead role of Professor Robert Langdon, the historical mystery-solving protagonist. However, Gervais ultimately did not take on the role of Rèmy.
“I was offered the part of the butler,” Gervais told The Daily Mirror. “I told director Ron Howard ‘I will ruin your film. The number of times I’ve sat down for a great film by a great director and a British actor pops up and ruins it for me; I don’t want to be that bloke.'”
The Da Vinci Code is available for streaming on Google Play.
Source: Looper
