What's Happening?
Tom Hanks ultimately starred in the 1988 film 'Big' after Robert De Niro, who was initially cast in the lead role of Josh, departed the project. According to Elizabeth Perkins, who auditioned with De Niro, his departure was due to a scheduling conflict.
Perkins noted that De Niro's portrayal of the character was more moody, suggesting a darker, almost horror-like tone for the film, in contrast to the lighter approach Tom Hanks brought. Director Penny Marshall's memoir, 'My Mother Was Nuts,' provides a different account, stating that De Niro left because the studio offered him a low salary and was unwilling to increase it. Marshall had initially considered a grittier version of 'Big' with De Niro, but the studio's preference for Hanks led to a different direction for the movie. Several other prominent actors, including Kevin Costner and Dennis Quaid, also initially passed on the role.
Why It's Important?
This casting change significantly impacted the cultural legacy and tone of 'Big,' a film that became a beloved 1980s classic. Tom Hanks's performance is widely credited for the movie's lighthearted and endearing quality, which resonated with audiences and contributed to its commercial success and enduring popularity. Had Robert De Niro remained in the role, the film's narrative and reception could have been drastically different, potentially altering its genre and audience appeal. The incident also highlights the complex dynamics between studios, directors, and actors in Hollywood, where financial negotiations and creative visions can lead to pivotal casting decisions that shape a film's ultimate outcome. The studio's insistence on Hanks, despite Marshall's initial preference for De Niro for a darker take, underscores the power of studios in dictating creative direction and star power in major productions.
What's Next?
While 'Big' has long been released, the discussion surrounding its original casting continues to offer insights into the filmmaking process and the impact of actor choices on a movie's identity. The film's enduring popularity ensures that its production history, including the near-casting of Robert De Niro, remains a point of interest for film enthusiasts and scholars. This historical context serves as a case study for future productions, illustrating how early casting decisions, whether driven by scheduling, financial disputes, or creative differences, can profoundly influence a film's trajectory and its place in cinematic history. The success of 'Big' with Tom Hanks also reinforces the idea that sometimes, unexpected casting changes can lead to iconic performances and commercially successful outcomes.
Beyond the Headlines
The story of 'Big's' casting goes beyond a simple scheduling conflict, revealing deeper insights into the creative and financial tensions within the film industry. Penny Marshall's account suggests that the studio's reluctance to pay Robert De Niro a competitive salary was a significant factor in his departure, highlighting how financial considerations can override artistic preferences. This situation also underscores the concept of 'actor branding' and how studios perceive and value different actors for specific roles and genres. De Niro's established reputation for darker, more intense roles contrasted with the lighter, more family-friendly image the studio ultimately sought for 'Big' with Tom Hanks. This decision not only shaped the film but also contributed to solidifying Tom Hanks's image as a versatile and universally appealing leading man in Hollywood.
