Key Points:
- Tom Hanks earned an estimated $40 million for his iconic role as Forrest Gump in the 1994 film.
- Instead of a flat fee, Hanks negotiated for a percentage of the box office earnings.
- Forrest Gump was a massive commercial success, grossing $683 million worldwide.
How Much Did Tom Hanks Earn for Playing Forrest Gump?
According to Cheat Sheet, Tom Hanks’ performance as the lovable, good-natured Forrest Gump in the 1994 film of the same name is considered one of the most iconic acting roles in modern cinema. What’s even more remarkable is the staggering payday Hanks received for bringing the character to life.
A Lucrative Profit-Sharing Deal Instead of accepting a standard upfront salary, the seasoned actor opted for a lucrative profit-sharing agreement with Paramount Pictures. According to reports, Hanks negotiated to receive a percentage of Forrest Gump’s box office earnings.
This calculated risk paid off immensely as the film became a cultural phenomenon and commercial juggernaut upon its release.
$40 Million Payday from Box Office Smash Estimates vary, but most sources claim Hanks earned around $40 million from his profit-sharing deal after Forrest Gump grossed an astounding $683 million worldwide against a $55 million budget.
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Some reports even suggest the Oscar-winning actor may have pocketed as much as $65 million, cementing the role as one of the most lucrative in Hollywood history.
A Blockbuster Decades in the Making
Hanks wasn’t the first choice to play the dim-witted but kind-hearted Forrest. Author Winston Groom initially envisioned John Goodman in the role, while the film’s original director eyed Harry Anderson before committing to Hanks just 90 minutes after he read the script.
Paramount’s gamble paid dividends, as Forrest Gump captured six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Hanks, and Best Director for Robert Zemeckis. It was the studio’s fastest film to surpass $100 million and $200 million at the box office.
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Though Forrest Gump carried a production budget just shy of $55 million, Paramount initially claimed to have lost over $60 million after accounting for marketing and distribution costs. However, its worldwide box office haul of over $677 million certainly covered those expenses and then some – especially for its leading man.
Forrest Gump is available to stream on Paramount+.
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