“He just never knew how to play it”: Tom Hanks Was Humiliated by Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker for Calling $93M Rom-Com Movie “Too Light” for His Taste

Tom Hanks has some of the most renowned roles in cinematic history. His works have been recognized and appreciated throughout the world, making him one of the most respected actors to date. While he has done a lot of ranging roles, not all of them were received very well. On the other hand, there had been roles that he would have liked to do perhaps but he never even got the opportunity to try them out.

Sometimes, stars let go of opportunities while others don’t even get offers. Such was the case with Tom Hanks as he unknowingly missed out on When Harry Met Sally. The movie got so much fame but there were many actors who were considered for the role before Billy Crystal got the role.

Also Read: Tom Hanks Dropped Out of $73M Oscar Nominated Movie After Tom Cruise Refused to Work With ‘Inexperienced’ Director to Save Reputation

Tom Hanks Rejected When Harry Met Sally

The romantic comedy was one which won the hearts of the audience and became an entire classic. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal stole the audience’s hearts instantaneously. However, Crystal was not the first choice for Rob Reiner. Michael Keaton, Albert Brookes, Richard Dreyfuss, and Tom Hanks were approached for the role of the leading man.

“I don’t think Tom ever regretted not doing it,” he continued, “because he just never knew how to play it”

While Ryan and Hanks worked together in You’ve Got Mail, this was one opportunity the actor chose to skip out. He was asked about the role but he refused to play the part and Nora Ephron, the screenwriter believed that there could have been a reason for it. Although Hanks is not one to shy away from a romantic movie, this one, in particular, was too light-hearted for him, stating that he could have even phased problems had he picked up the role.

Also Read: “You won’t see me directing anything else”: Tom Hanks Feared His Directing Career Would End After This Movie

Billy Crystal Was Not Even In The Top 5 For When Harry Met Sally

Billy Crystal was not the first choice for Rob Reiner or Nora Ephron. They were out exploring and trying to find any comedian and actor who would fit the part perfectly. The actor was aware of how many people had rejected the role and yet he was ready to give his best.

“I knew from agents and managers that [Rob] had met with almost every male actor my age, except me.”

Although he was a renowned comedian, his acting credits weren’t enough to create a lot of faith in the director. So he pushed past all the nervousness he had in order to give his best.

Also Read: “You’re too much of a supernova”: Tom Hanks Refused to Give Charlize Theron the Lead Role in His $34.6 Million Movie

Source: E! News