At the end of the 80’s, Tom Hanks had his breakthrough with a fantasy comedy. But he almost lost his role to “Taxi Driver” star Robert De Niro of all people!
Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro have never appeared in front of the camera together, but they have a lot in common: both are among the biggest Hollywood stars of their respective generations, have two Oscars each, have both have many classics and feature cult films. .
However, the two major players differ so much in their appearance and image that it is difficult to imagine most of their characters played by the other. Even more surprising is that Hanks almost lost one of his early comedy roles to Robert De Niro:
i „Big(1988), the “Forrest Gump” star plays 12-year-old Josh, the one who fulfills his greatest wish by telling the mysterious machine of fortune: to be an adult at last! One morning, the schoolboy played by David Moscow wakes up in the body of a 30-year-old man and has a great career in the toy industry – but he soon realizes that adulthood also has many dark sides…
“Big” holds an important place in Hanks’ oeuvre: After all, the 68-year-old not only got his last international breakthrough with a fantasy comedy, it also earned him his first Oscar nomination. But while it’s hard to imagine Robert De Niro as an awkward teenager with a child’s mind, the “GoodFellas” star was director Penny Marshall’s first choice.
“Penny wanted me to do it,” De Niro confirms in an interview with the New York. “At first I wanted to do it and then I didn’t. I said, ‘I want so much,’ and [das Studio] said no. And that was it. […] It was an endless argument about money. So they made the movie with Tom Hanks, and that was a good thing.”
That’s certainly a good thing – although of course we’d like to know how De Niro would have done in “The Big One”. By the way: Penny Marshall ended up working with the “Taxi Driver” actor for her next directorial venture. De Niro had one of the leading roles alongside Robin Williams in the drama “Awakening Time” (1990) – for which he was also nominated for an Academy Award.
If you want to know which 80s cult masterpiece Tom Hanks turned down (and why), also read the following article:
“He couldn’t understand it”: This is why Tom Hanks turned down one of the biggest cult films of the 80s
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Interview: Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro – A Twist of Fate
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to our special feature! Today, we’re diving into a fascinating “what if” scenario in the world of cinema. Joining us is film historian and pop culture expert, Dr. Emily Carter. Thank you for being with us, Dr. Carter!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this intriguing tidbit from film history.
Interviewer: So, let’s set the stage. In the late 1980s, Tom Hanks landed his breakthrough role in “Big,” a fantasy comedy that became a hallmark of his career. But it seems he almost lost this pivotal role to none other than Robert De Niro. How did that happen?
Dr. Carter: It’s quite a surprising twist! During the casting process for “Big,” which was directed by Penny Marshall, the studio had several big names in mind. Robert De Niro, known for his intense and dramatic roles, was considered for the part of Josh, the young boy who magically becomes an adult. The idea of such an iconic figure stepping into a light-hearted role was certainly unconventional.
Interviewer: Indeed, it’s hard to picture De Niro in a role that requires such a playful and comedic touch. What made Hanks ultimately the right choice for this film?
Dr. Carter: Tom Hanks has always possessed a unique ability to balance humor and heart, which is essential for a role like Josh. In “Big,” he not only captures the innocent enthusiasm of a child but also navigates the complexities of adulthood. Hanks’ performance helped the audience connect with the character on a deeper level. After all, “Big” is not just a comedy; it explores what it means to grow up, and Hanks brought that vision to life beautifully.
Interviewer: Looking back on it, “Big” played a critical role in Hanks’ career. It earned him his first Oscar nomination and established him as a leading man in Hollywood. What does this film signify in the context of Hanks’ overall filmography?
Dr. Carter: “Big” is a cornerstone of Hanks’ oeuvre, showcasing his versatility early on. It marked the transition of Hanks from a comedic actor to a serious contender in Hollywood. With this film, he proved that he could carry a feature and that audiences were willing to embrace him in more profound roles later, such as in “Forrest Gump” and “Philadelphia,” both of which also earned him Oscars.
Interviewer: And what about Robert De Niro? How does this casting decision reflect the broader trends in Hollywood during that era?
Dr. Carter: De Niro’s potential casting in “Big” highlights an interesting moment in Hollywood history where the lines between comedic and dramatic actors began to blur. This era saw stars shifting genres and challenging their traditional roles. De Niro, known for his intense performances in films like “Taxi Driver,” stepping into a comedic role would have signaled a shift not only in his career but also in audience expectations regarding actor versatility.
Interviewer: It is fascinating to consider how different the film landscape might have looked had De Niro taken on that role. What lasting impact does “Big” leave on pop culture today?
Dr. Carter: “Big” remains a beloved film and a cultural touchstone. The enchantment of a child experiencing adulthood resonates universally. Plus, its signature scenes, like the famous piano dance on the giant keyboard at FAO Schwarz, have become iconic moments in cinema history. It continues to influence filmmakers and resonate with audiences, proving that a great story, combined with stellar performances, is timeless.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Emily Carter, for shedding light on this fascinating intersection of two legendary actors. It’s intriguing to reflect on how a small casting decision can ripple through cinema history.
Dr. Carter: It was my pleasure! The world of film is filled with these “what if” moments, and it’s always exciting to explore them.
Interviewer: And for our readers, the next time they watch “Big,” they may just think of the alternate reality where Robert De Niro played Josh! Thank you for joining us today.
