“You’re too much of a supernova”: Tom Hanks Helped Charlize Theron to Get Successful? Marvel Star Almost Ended Up Playing a Different Role in $34M Movie
Global acclaim for Tom Hanks, a true superstar in the film industry, is unmatched. Tom Hanks has had a very long and fruitful career in show business, winning the Oscars twice in a row. Big, Toy Story, Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, Forrest Gump, and Philadelphia are some of his best-known films. He’s been doing this for nearly four decades and is considered a true Hollywood legend. And guess what? He played a big part in helping Charlize Theron become a success too.
Charlize Theron almost ended up in a different role in Tom Hanks’ movie
Around 27 years ago, the $34 million film That thing you do! came out, and Tom Hanks revealed some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Hanks, who not only co-wrote the musical comedy but also co-starred in it, talked about the movie’s production. Even more intriguing is the information that Charlize Theron, who was then a relatively unknown actress, almost had another role in the film.
The Marvel star played Tina Powers in the movie, which followed a pop rock band’s attempt to replicate The Beatles’ fame. Theron had a different role in mind during her first audition, though. Theron who was only 19 years old at the time, immediately made an effect on Tom Hanks, who is now 65. She frankly stated that she preferred to play Faye to Tina. Despite acknowledging her goals, Hank couldn’t help but think, “You’re too much of a supernova to play Faye.” The role of Faye went to Liv Tyler.
Theron was like a budding star in the making, and Tom Hanks recognized the potential in her. And Theron did justice to her role. Hanks, who acted as Mr. Amos White in the movie, admitted that getting Theron on board was a fantastic achievement. The producer, Ed Saxon, was equally impressed and exclaimed, ‘just met a movie star’ after meeting her during auditions.
Charlize Theron was doubtful about her own audition
Charlize Theron, the Hollywood superstar, is a shining example of both beauty and brains. She is one of the most gifted actors in the entertainment industry, not simply a gorgeous face. Her lengthy filmography speaks volumes about her talent. Tom Hanks was won over by Charlize Theron’s audition in That Thing You Do! but she later made an amusing admission about it while appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in 2018 (via Metro).
Even though the producer and the star of the movie were impressed by her audition, Theron thought her audition was not good. She humorously said, “It was not good! I don’t know why he gave me the role, I mean, honestly.” Back then, she couldn’t have imagined that this movie would kickstart her journey to becoming a household name and a sensation in Hollywood.
Now at 48 years old and with three Oscar nominations under her belt, Charlize Theron has come a long way. That Thing You Do! is available to watch on Prime Video, Vudu, or Apple TV.
Source: Metro
