Who was originally wanted for Forrest Gump?

Forrest Gump is a beloved American film that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide since its release in 1994. The film tells the story of a simple-minded man named Forrest Gump, played by Tom Hanks, who goes on a remarkable journey through life, encountering historical events and meeting influential people along the way. However, many people may not know that the role of Forrest Gump was originally intended for a different actor. In this article, we will explore who was originally wanted for Forrest Gump and why they did not end up playing the iconic character.

The role of Forrest Gump was first offered to John Travolta, who was a rising star in Hollywood at the time. Travolta had just come off the success of his role in Pulp Fiction and was considered a top choice for the role of Forrest Gump. However, Travolta turned down the role, and it ended up going to Tom Hanks, who would go on to win an Academy Award for his performance.

So why did John Travolta turn down the role of Forrest Gump? There are a few reasons that have been speculated over the years. One reason could be that Travolta was already committed to other projects at the time, including the film Pulp Fiction and the TV series ER. Taking on the role of Forrest Gump would have required a significant time commitment, and Travolta may not have been able to fit it into his schedule.

Another reason could be that Travolta was hesitant to take on a role that required him to play a character with a mental disability. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Travolta revealed that he was offered the role of Forrest Gump but turned it down because he didn’t want to offend anyone with his portrayal of a character with a disability. He said, “I didn’t want to offend anyone who had a disability, so I said no.”

It’s also worth noting that at the time, Travolta was trying to distance himself from his previous roles in films like Grease and Saturday Night Fever, which had typecast him as a heartthrob. Taking on the role of Forrest Gump may have been seen as a step backward in his career, and he may have been looking for more challenging and diverse roles.

While it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Tom Hanks playing the role of Forrest Gump, it’s interesting to think about how the film would have been different with John Travolta in the lead. Travolta’s acting style is very different from Hanks’, and it’s possible that the film would have had a different tone and feel with him in the lead role.

In the end, everything happens for a reason, and Tom Hanks’ portrayal of Forrest Gump is now considered one of the greatest performances in film history. The film went on to become a critical and commercial success, grossing over $677 million worldwide and winning six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hanks.

In conclusion, while John Travolta was originally wanted for the role of Forrest Gump, he turned it down for various reasons, and the role ultimately went to Tom Hanks. Travolta’s decision may have been a blessing in disguise, as Hanks’ performance is now synonymous with the character and has left a lasting impact on audiences. Forrest Gump will always be remembered as one of the greatest films of all time, and Tom Hanks’ portrayal of the lovable and endearing character will forever be cherished.