Both Tom Hanks and Daniel Day-Lewis are exceptional talents of Hollywood fame. The two actors have shaped popular culture for years with their multifaceted and varied endeavors. Their legacy is simply undeniable. Even Steven Spielberg attested to their greatness by confirming that working with the two entailed “life-changing” experiences for the acclaimed director.
Both stars have never starred alongside one another. However, Daniel Day-Lewis rejected one particular role, which Tom Hanks gladly took up. Hanks’ depiction of this memorable character subsequently earned him an Oscar! It’s interesting to note that he went head-to-head with Daniel Day-Lewis for this award. We can affirm that the Forrest Gump talent may have outsmarted the Lincoln alum.
Daniel Day-Lewis Rejected A Role That Ultimately Went To Tom Hanks
Philadelphia is a 1993 legal drama film starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington in the leading roles. It was helmed by Jonathan Demme and written by Ron Nyswaner. Against a budget of $26 million, the endeavor amassed a grand $206.7 million at the worldwide box office. It rose to become 1993’s 12th-highest-grossing movie in the United States. The themes and subject matter that the movie tackled were of the utmost importance.
The Tom Hanks starrer was the first major studio initiative that didn’t shy away from addressing the AIDS crisis. It helped broaden the audience’s awareness of the disease. With rampant stigmatization and prejudice affecting the world, Philadelphia marked a revolutionary step in Hollywood storytelling. The movie enjoys an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Tom Hanks portrayed Andrew Beckett, a lawyer who hides his homosexuality and is subjected to workplace discrimination. The narrative sees his character seek justice over being fired for his status as an AIDS patient. In an interview, writer Ron Nyswaner mentioned that actor Daniel Day-Lewis was initially considered for the part of Beckett. The Phantom Thread star was chosen because the team wanted to go with a more “conventional casting.”
Unfortunately, Daniel Day-Lewis declined the offer, which shocked Nyswaner and the producers of the endeavor.
Tom Hanks Was Very Enthusiastic About The Role
Hanks was prepared to dedicate himself to the significant part, according to screenwriter Ron Nyswaner. What Nyswaner also had to say about Daniel Day-Lewis’ potential involvement in the film and his eventual rejection of the role is as follows:
“Tom Hanks really wanted to play Andrew Beckett. [Director] Jonathan [Demme] and I, and the producers, had been thinking of more, perhaps, conventional casting. Honestly, it was Daniel Day-Lewis. And Daniel Day-Lewis passed. We were so pissed off. How dare he!”
Although this was a lighthearted remark, it makes sense for the team to feel dejected back then. Day-Lewis’ stature as a proficient talent renders him perfect for almost all endeavors. However, with the actor declining the offer, the producers and Jonathan Demme required an equally exceptional and skilled person for the role. Tom Hanks came to their rescue. Here’s how Nyswaner explained it:
“Tom Hanks and Jonathan Demme had lunch, and Tom Hanks said, ‘I think I can do this.’”
On a separate occasion, the acclaimed screenwriter also said of Day-Lewis, “I love him and he’s a genius, but I’m so glad he passed.”
While it is intriguing to envision what Day-Lewis’ version of the film would have looked like, it’s impossible to imagine anybody other than Tom Hanks in the role of Andy. His portrayal was nuanced and deeply touching. Paired with Denzel Washington’s screen presence, Philadelphia truly became a masterpiece.
It is ironic to think of how Daniel Day-Lewis, who was nominated for In the Name of the Father, lost to Tom Hanks in the race for the Best Actor award at the 66th Academy Awards. The role that the former rejected led to the latter’s triumph! How the universe works sometimes can truly be fascinating.
Philadelphia (1993) is available for renting/buying on Amazon Prime Video.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
