“You got to fight”: Tom Hanks Knew His Son Would Face Backlash For Starring In Marc Forster’s Movie
Tom Hanks has been a notable name in the entertainment industry for decades. He knows the value of his craft, and the fickle nature of the industry and is probably able to gauge the possible reactions of any happenstance in the public sphere. He certainly wasn’t very far off when his youngest son Truman Hanks starred as the younger version of him in Marc Forster’s rendition of Fredrik Backman’s 2012 novel, the film called A Man Called Otto.
The Forrest Gump star knew the challenges that would lie ahead for his son by taking on this role and he not only prepared him accordingly but vocalized his support while doing press for the film.
Tom Hanks’ Advice to Son Truman Ahead of A Man Called Otto
The issue of nepotism in the entertainment industry is always part of discussions. When Truman Hanks ended up on set for Marc Forster’s A Man Called Otto, his father was concerned that he would also end up on the receiving end of social media backlash for being cast in the film.
Tom Hanks trusted his son’s acting skills but he did not trust the media and fans on social media to be kind and empathetic. As the Green Mile star recounted on Late Night with Seth Meyers, he gave his son words of wisdom and warning, saying:
“Look if you wanna do this you know, understand you got to fight self-consciousness like crazy, there’s only one way to do it. Show up, know your stuff, let go, and ski!”
Hanks is referring to the weight young actors feel to honor their parents’ legacy by doing their best and the self-doubt they battle.
Marc Forster Wanted Truman as Young Otto
In his appearance on Seth Meyers, Hanks also revealed how Truman actually ended up playing the younger version of Otto Anderson. And as his story suggests, it was in no way for the reasons nepotism is usually based on. And the director actually suggested it. Hanks recounts the chat he had with Forster pre-filming, saying:
…Marc Forster, who directed it, he said ‘Why do we have to have a look-alike for you to play the young [Otto Anderson]?’ He’s from Switzerland, all right? he was not interrogating us, he was actually suggesting a better way in order to make the movie. “Can’t one of your kids come on and play you? I think Truman looks very much like you.”
Hanks further adds that he removed himself completely from the picture when it came to the decision to cast Truman, saying he couldn’t answer for his son.
Tom Hanks on Nepotism
In an interview with People, Hanks shared his views on nepotism, creating an analogy of how that’s exactly what happens in any business. He alludes to how celebrity children who grew up in the entertainment industry, had that creative environment around them that developed an inclination towards filmmaking.
Further, he adds that when a project is made, it is the top priority. It should be done well and the people involved in doing so, take a back seat.
“That’s the issue anytime any of us go off and try to tell a fresh story or create something that has a beginning, middle, and end. Doesn’t matter what our last names are. We have to do the work in order to make that a true and authentic experience for the audience. And that’s a much bigger task than worrying about whether anybody’s going to try to scathe us or not.”
A Man Called Otto is now streaming on Netflix.
Source: Late Night with Seth Meyers and People
