Academy Award winner Tom Hanks fired back at film critics with shocking words in the wake of his new film’s opening.
Hanks’ latest cinematic venture “Here,” a collaboration with “Forrest Gump” director Robert Zemeckis and co-star Robin Wright, opened to disappointing box office returns despite its ambitious premise and $50 million budget.
The film, which unfolds entirely within a single room while spanning thousands of years, earned $5 million in its opening weekend, prompting discussions about the current state of theatrical releases.
In a candid appearance on the “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast, Hanks addressed film criticism with pointed remarks, including unexpected expletives. While the timing coincided with “Here’s” release, the actor focused on his 1996 directorial debut “That Thing You Do!” Hanks cited a specific critic who initially dismissed the film but later praised it as a cult classic. “That same [expletive] later wrote about the cult classic That Thing You Do! Same exact person. They said, ‘All you need is 20 years between now and then, and it ends up speaking some words,'” Hanks recalled.
The film, based on Richard McGuire’s 2014 graphic novel, features an ensemble cast including Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly, Michelle Dockery, and Gwilym Lee. Sony Pictures acquired distribution rights following Block’s departure from Miramax in October 2023, building on their existing relationship with Hanks through previous collaborations like “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”
Critics have noted the film’s technical complexity and narrative ambition. The story weaves together multiple timelines, including scenes set during the COVID-19 pandemic, while exploring themes of mortality and human connection. While praising the performances of leads Hanks and Wright, reviewers pointed to challenges in developing the supporting characters’ storylines within the film’s runtime.
The project marked a reunion for Hanks, Wright, and Zemeckis, who previously collaborated on 1994’s “Forrest Gump.” That earlier effort proved significantly more successful, earning $678.2 million worldwide and securing six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Zemeckis, and Best Actor for Hanks.
Industry analysts noted that “Here” faced initial skepticism during its development phase, with multiple studios passing on the project due to concerns about its broad market appeal. The film’s experimental approach to storytelling and single-location setting represented a departure from conventional theatrical releases.
Former Miramax head Bill Block championed the project when other studios expressed hesitation. “I have to give all the credit to Bill Block who had the courage and had the vision to understand the movie and make it,” Zemeckis said.