Tom Hanks was fated to lead Penny Marshall’s comedy feature that made history more than three decades ago. But, as it turns out, two rather exceptional actors reportedly passed down the film that was well on its way to becoming a box-office sensation.
Both Batman star Michael Keaton and Yellowstone actor Kevin Costner were apparently offered to play the ebullient protagonist in the fantasy drama, Big. But thanks to their refusals, Hanks ended up swiping the opportunity from them, starring in the first-ever movie by a female director to reach $100 million at the box office.
How Tom Hanks Came to Lead Penny Marshall’s Big (1988)
When industry titan Steven Spielberg’s sister, Anne Spielberg churned out the brilliant idea of a young boy trapped in the body of an old man, the Jaws creator decided to step down as the director out of respect for his sibling.
After many deliberations, Penny Marshall – who was ironically looking for a breather after winding up Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986) – got onboard as the director of Big (via All The Right Movies).
When Marshall took over the director’s chair for the endearing slapstick comedy, she had her eyes set on Tom Hanks for the lead from the get-go. But the Gods of Timing didn’t shine their light upon them, and the Elvis star was unable to commit to the venture owing to scheduling clashes with Dragnet (1987).
In the meantime, an array of talented actors were considered for the lead role of Josh Baskin, including two-time Oscar winner Kevin Costner along with Michael Keaton who is renowned for his portrayal of the legendary Dark Knight. Unfortunately enough, neither of them was willing to sign up for the role.
After more scouting, Marshall cast the proverbial net on the Goodfellas star Robert De Niro, but even he dropped the project when the studio couldn’t match his $6 million offer. But fortuitously for the Awakenings director, not only had Hanks’ schedule freed up by this time, but the 67-year-old actor was willing to star in Big for only a reported $2 million.
Penny Marshall’s Big Made History At the Box Office
Perhaps the Forrest Gump star was fated to be a part of the film that would break box-office records and become the first movie directed by a woman to surpass the $100 million mark. Big raked in more than $151 million at the worldwide box office, grossing $114 million at just the domestic circuit (via The Numbers).
It didn’t take long for the film’s magical charm and childlike wonder to permeate cinemas with both moviegoers and critics hailing Big for its wondrous potency to evoke one’s inner child. It’s no wonder then that the Marshall-helmed outing fared incredibly well with an 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Big can be streamed on Disney + or Apple TV+.
