The environment on film sets can be fraught with risks. The intricate interplay of elements such as actors, crew, cameras, props, sets, and stunts, often operating in parallel, leaves ample room for mishaps to occur. Especially in the realm of stunts, where sequences deliberately expose performers to physical peril, circumstances can escalate to perilous extremes. Tom Hanks experienced it firsthand.
Even with meticulous precautions in place, including thorough rehearsals, equipment inspections, and proper crew readiness, unfortunate incidents can still arise. Continue reading to explore 12 instances of on-set accidents that posed significant threats to the careers of these actors.
Tom Hanks Almost Lost His Legs Filming Cast Away
Tom Hanks isn’t typically associated with intense physical performances. He isn’t as renowned for stunt work as another prominent Tom mentioned in this collection. However, whether it’s his roles in Cloud Atlas, Elvis, or other projects, Hanks exhibits a willingness to undergo significant transformations for his characters.
Among his diverse roles, few demanded the level of physical commitment as seen in his portrayal of Chuck Noland in Robert Zemeckis’ Cast Away. The character finds himself marooned on an island following a plane crash. To authentically depict this transformation, Hanks had to undergo a weight gain of over 50 pounds and subsequently lose it for a specific phase of the role. Hanks achieved this challenging feat through disciplined eating, aptly described as “miserly portions” in an interview with The Guardian.
During the actual filming of the movie, Hanks sustained a cut to his leg. Unbeknownst to the star of A Man Called Otto, this wound became infected.
“I got an infection from a cut and it was eating its way through my leg,” the actor said in an interview with BBC Radio 1.
Upon eventually seeking medical attention, he received a stark warning: “We have to get this infection out of you before it poisons your blood and you die.” As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Hanks had contracted a staph infection, necessitating a pause in production for three weeks while he recovered.
Tom Hanks Once Got Robbed At His Job
In a conversation with Jimmy Kimmel, Tom Hanks unveiled a nostalgic snippet from his past – one of his earliest jobs involved vending peanuts and soda at the legendary sports venue. He harbored lofty aspirations, envisioning the experience as a real-life portrayal akin to a scene from a television series, featuring a young kid striving to turn it into something meaningful.
“I went down to sell peanuts and soda,” he shared. “[I was] thinking it would be like in a TV show where you saw the young kid trying to make a thing.”
Despite its seemingly ideal nature for a young man, Hanks candidly acknowledged that he carries some notably disagreeable memories associated with that particular job.
Source: Slashfilm
