Fact-O-Meter: Before Tom Hanks, Three Actors Had Turned Down Forrest Gump!

Released in 1994, Forrest Gump still holds a special place in film enthusiasts’ heart and will weave magic even in the coming generations. Starring Tom Hanks in an iconic role of a person with a below-average IQ of 75, the film is undoubtedly amongst the greatest works of all time.

We all know, how Hanks transformed drastically for the titular role. Be it pronouncing Southern accent or nailing the naive mannerisms, the actor pulled it off brilliantly. One can say that Hanks did all justice to his character and it’s hard to imagine anyone else in his place.

But did you know that Tom Hanks wasn’t the first choice for Forrest Gump? In fact, not even second or third. Initially, the film was offered to Bill Murray, John Travolta, and Chevy Chase. All three of them turned down the role and eventually, our true Gump came on the board. And the rest is history!