Movie-making is art. Occasionally, directors, writers, and producers come across a project with the potential to make something special. When we talk about our favorite movies, more likely than not, Forrest Gump is a movie that continues to be brought up even after decades since its release. Forrest Gump is a romance drama film that came out in 1994 and has cemented itself in film history as one of the best movies out there. The heartwarming story follows the life of Forrest Gump as he navigates life, loss, love, and his IQ of 75. This demanding role was fulfilled by no other than the icon himself, Tom Hanks.
Forrest Gump is easily one of Hanks' most career-defining roles to date, and it is difficult to see anyone else fill that role. However, considering multiple actors for the same role is more common in the entertainment industry than you think. In this "what could have been" scenario, come with us as we deep dive into the list of actors almost cast in Forrest Gump.
10 John Travolta
The most high-profile "almost castings" in this film was John Travolta as Forrest. Now, after we have witnessed the success of Forrest Gump, what stopped Travolta from taking this role? Well, the answer is simple: Tarantino and Pulp Fiction (via Far Out Magazine). Trading one iconic role for another was pretty much a win-win in Travolta's career. Although we should not speculate on something that doesn't happen, we can safely say that Hanks was the perfect choice for this film ad there is no real debate.
9 Bill Murray
The main character in this story, Forrest Gump, was brought to life in ways no one could have predicted, all thanks to Hanks. However, with the knowledge that Travolta was also considered for the role, it is not unlikely that other names were brought up to fill the role. One of them happens to be Bill Murray. There is no telling whether or not Murray's portrayal of Forrest Gump would've blown us out of the water. However, with his work in Groundhog Day, Lost in Translation, and Ghostbusters, the expectations would've been high.
8 Chevy Chase
Last but not least, the next name to come up for the role of Forrest Gump is Chevy Chase. Chase is best known for his talent as a comedian, which, as we see in his career, translates greatly into the acting space. He has had an impressive career, with projects like National Lampoon's Vacation, Caddy Shack, and Three Amigos in his back pocket. This role could have been an easy standout in his filmography. However, as the fates decided, Hank's unforgettable performance will be all we'll ever see.
7 Dave Chappelle
Did you know that a young Dave Chappelle was offered the role of Bubba in Forrest Gump? Bubba was a very calculated change for filmmakers to make as they strayed away from the character in the novel, and it paid off in some ways. This character became a beloved addition to the overall film experience. So, why did Chappelle turn it down? He explains in an old comedy set that he did not want to portray certain racial stereotypes that he believed would propel his career in the wrong direction (via Looper).
6 David Allan Gier
Actor and comedian David Allen Grier was another name brought up in the casting of Bubba and was actually offered the part. This incredibly talented actor is best known for projects like In Living Color, Blankman, and Joe Pickett. Much like any person facing a missed opportunity, Grier does regret not taking this part. He discussed this on Busy Philipps' Busy Tonight back in 2018.
5 Ice Cube
Ice Cube is a very interesting choice for a role like Bubba. Ice Cube is another actor that was offered the role of Benjamin "Bubba" Buford Blue in Forrest Gump. However, during this point in his career, Ice Cube managed to mix his acting choices with his music career as a rapper, keeping a certain aura that fit his brand. It is believed that after the massive success this film became, Ice Cube did regret backing away from the project.
4 Jodi Foster
Jodi Foster is like movie royalty. This beloved actress has played roles in some of the most memorable films in history including, but not limited to, Silence of the Lambs, Taxi Driver, and The Mauritanian. With this great a filmography as a testament to her acting abilities, it is difficult to say why she did not end up taking the role of Jenny Curran in Forrest Gump, despite them considering her for the role.
3 Nicole Kidman
The role of Jenny in Forrest Gump is one of the most important roles to fill in this film. Robin Wright's performance as Jenny was a standout in the film and the complexity of her character was shown timelessly. One of the names that reportedly was thrown out there to play Jenny was the one and only Nicole Kidman. Although it is unclear why she was not cast in Forrest Gump, she has made a name for herself in this industry and her presence in the film world is felt beyond her iconic AMC ad. From Moulin Rouge to Big Little Lies, Kidman continues to dominate entertainment without this titular role in her arsenal.
2 Demi Moore
Jenny could not have been an easy role to cast with so many huge names being considered for it. In addition to both Kidman and Foster, we also have Demi Moore in the conversation. Of course, Moore's career speaks for itself. With films like 1990's Ghost and 1996's Striptease in her filmography, it is clear that her career did hinder on getting this role in Forrest Gump.
1 Kevin Bacon
Lt. Dan was pivotal to this incredible story. In the film, Lt. Dan, played expertly by Gary Sinise, was a much needed constant in Forrest's life, first as his platoon leader in the war and then as his shrimp boat companion. Footloose, Tremors, and Hollow Man actor Kevin Bacon happened to turn down this role.
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