‘Forrest Gump’: The Surprising Story Tom Hanks Paid For Himself

Sometimes, convincing a studio to greenlight a project can be as challenging as bringing that project to life. In the case of ‘Forrest Gump’, the journey from concept to screen was no exception. Writers Eric Roth, director Robert Zemeckis, and actor Tom Hanks faced an uphill battle in pitching a story about a simple man’s extraordinary encounters with famous figures throughout the 20th century.

Against the odds, ‘Forrest Gump’ not only became a box office hit and won Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 1994 but also captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Also Read: Lessons We Can Learn from ‘Forrest Gump’

The film’s success can be attributed to its ambitious creative choices and groundbreaking special effects, which resonated with viewers despite initial scepticism. However, even amidst its triumphs, there was one pivotal scene that faced financial obstacles: Forrest’s iconic cross-country run.

Running has become synonymous with ‘Forrest Gump’, symbolizing his journey through life. While running wasn’t a prominent aspect of the character in the original book by Winston Groom, Tom Hanks’ portrayal emphasized Forrest’s spontaneous and unwavering commitment to running.

The film expands on this trait, creating a memorable sequence where Forrest embarks on a three-year run across America, inspiring others and capturing media attention along the way.

However, due to budget constraints, the filming of this extended sequence was in jeopardy. When the studio refused to fund it, director Robert Zemeckis turned to his star, Tom Hanks, for help. Hanks, believing in the importance of the scene, agreed to finance it himself, demonstrating his dedication to the project. Alongside Zemeckis, he covered the costs with the understanding that they would receive a percentage of the film’s profits in return.

This act of investment not only ensured the inclusion of a crucial scene but also highlighted the trust and collaboration between Hanks and Zemeckis. Their partnership extended beyond ‘Forrest Gump’, as evidenced by their later collaboration on ‘Cast Away’. Zemeckis’ guidance and Hanks’ commitment to his performance ultimately led to Hanks winning his second consecutive Academy Award for Best Actor.

Moreover, Hanks’ negotiation with Paramount resulted in a substantial payday for the actor, showcasing the power and influence of a movie star. His artistic instincts, coupled with his willingness to invest in the project, paid off handsomely, both creatively and financially.

– Farheen Ali