As a film enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of cinema over several decades, I must say that Robert Zemeckis’ revelation about the potential inclusion of Curious George in Forrest Gump is nothing short of mind-boggling! The thought of Tom Hanks, one of the most respected actors of our time, sharing screen space with the lovable monkey from Children’s Corner would have been a spectacle indeed.
Thirty years have passed since Robert Zemeckis’ exceptional movie, the Academy Award-winning “Forrest Gump,” hit the screens, and its exceptionally gifted stars have gone on to enjoy successful careers since its debut. However, consider this scenario: what if there was an extra cast member who was short, fuzzy, and resembled Curious George? Interestingly, Zemeckis himself admitted recently that he was the one who let loose the cherished character before the filming of the Tom Hanks masterpiece began.
In 2024, the director of “Back to the Future” worked again with Tom Hanks, who portrayed Forrest, and Robin Wright, as Jenny, in the film titled “Here“. This reunion was part of the upcoming movie lineup. The three of them had an interesting conversation with Entertainment Weekly about their work on “Forrest Gump”, sharing details about elements that were originally left out.
Why Curious George Was Nearly Featured In Forrest Gump
Maybe the most surprising BTS details was shared by Zemeckis, and it involved an animated Curious George and other oddities being part of the adaptation when it was still in the initial script stages. He shared:
As a devoted fan, I vividly recall the initial manuscript penned by Eric Roth for ‘Forrest Gump.’ It was approximately 179 pages long and brimming with creativity. Eric envisioned an ethereal realm filled with angels ascending, surreal landscapes, and even a lively cartoon monkey named Curious George perched on Forrest’s shoulder, engaging in heartfelt conversations.
It’s quite bewildering to contemplate the different outcomes for the kind-hearted war veteran. Thank goodness the wise 72-year-old decided to exclude the charming monkey from the movie; it might have been too overwhelming for the film. However, if his curiosity was about shrimp, we all know who would have fulfilled that curiosity.
Did Curious George Influence The Studio Hiring Robert Zemeckis?
Even though Curious George wasn’t ultimately chosen for the role, it was perhaps the concept of the inquisitive character that attracted Zemeckis to the movie. Just a few years prior, he had garnered several awards for his film featuring an animated rabbit alongside the real-life Bob Hoskins in a comedy adventure. He remembered receiving the call for Forrest Gump similarly, suggesting that unique ideas often play a significant role in his film choices.
They said, ‘Get that guy who did [Who Framed] Roger Rabbit. And I read the [Forrest Gump] script, and I said, ‘I love this, but that monkey’s gotta go.’
I believe there’d be a variety of opinions regarding this scenario, but I agree with the director of “Death Becomes Her.” The blend of styles and moods from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and “Forrest Gump” could create an intriguing fusion, excluding the animated animal aspect. Having George tagging along with Forrest would’ve been quite fascinating! However, there’s also a concern about the uncanny valley that a monkey might have found itself in…
It’s delightful to witness the return of the human cast collaborating once more, given that there’s no indication of a follow-up to the 1994 masterpiece. Indeed, it seems appropriate not to extend the legacy of such an iconic film. Instead, their latest project, Here, provides a more suitable platform for their collective efforts. Recently, Zemeckis shared insights about this new movie and his illustrious career during an interview on ReelBlend.
I’m curious to discover more unexpected tales that this seasoned filmmaker might have in store regarding beloved movies of his. Perhaps it’s impossible to imagine anything as original as the decision to include Curious George in a completely different cast.
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2024-11-14 17:07