Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, has built a storied career spanning decades. From iconic roles in films like ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Saving Private Ryan’ to more recent works like ‘Elvis’, Hanks has consistently delivered powerful performances.
However, the actor, in his decades-long career, has never delved into the world of superheroes. When asked about it, Hanks revealed that he is not against the idea but he hasn’t been approached for any such roles.
Tom Hanks Would Play A Superhero If His “Plate Wasn’t Full”
Despite the allure of superhero franchises, Hanks has no immediate plans to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the DC Extended Universe. In a recent interview with Josh Horowitz on the ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast, Hanks clarified that he hasn’t been approached by either studio.
“No,” Hanks responded when asked if he had discussed potential roles with Marvel or DC. “I think it’s because, you know, I’m not in their wheelhouse. I’m not against it, I guess, but, at the same time, I’ll tell you this, right now, Josh Horowitz. My combo plate is quite full.” Moreover, Hanks’ focus remains on diverse and challenging roles.
He is currently working on various projects, including a new film directed by Robert Zemeckis. The legendary actor expressed his satisfaction with his current career trajectory, stating, “I’ve got a lot of stuff that I’m dreaming of and trying to make happen.” While he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of future superhero roles entirely, Hanks is clearly content with his current path.
Tom Hanks’ Take On Superhero Movies
The ‘Forrest Gump‘ actor also shared his insights on the current state of the superhero film genre. While acknowledging the technical advancements that have made these films possible, he also expressed a desire for more original storytelling.
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“You can do anything at all,” Hanks said. “You can probably say the Christopher Reeve Superman was the first one that came close because [the cutting-edge technology] allowed for wire removal…I think we’re now enjoying the luxury of riches. They can make anything happen on screen now, we’re being brought back to the concept of, ‘Okay, that’s true. But what is the story?’” he explained.
Hanks emphasized the importance of strong storytelling, arguing that the focus should be on the narrative and the themes explored, rather than just spectacle and visual effects. He pointed out that the superhero genre has reached a point of saturation. Additionally, he believes filmmakers must strive to create meaningful and original stories.
The actor also reflected on the early days of superhero cinema. He pointed out that the advancements in special effects have allowed filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling and create truly spectacular visual experiences. However, Hanks also warned against relying solely on visual spectacle.
