Tom Hanks has appeared remarkably youthful at a recent promotional event for his upcoming film ‘Here’, where he reunited with ‘Forrest Gump’ co-star Robin Wright, 58, and director Robert Zemeckis. Despite his 68 years, Hanks appeared energetic and youthful as he discussed the film’s unique approach to ageing effects in a SiriusXM Town Hall session.
With ‘Here’, Hanks, Wright, and Zemeckis capture the spirit of their ‘Forrest Gump’ days while exploring new cinematic techniques. In the movie, Hanks portrays Richard, a character who spans several life stages, while Wright plays Margaret, his girlfriend and eventual wife. Through a mix of traditional makeup techniques and digital de-ageing effects, the actors transform between various ages—from teenagers to their 80s—capturing an expansive narrative arc. The final result reflects both the technological advances in filmmaking and the actors’ ability to bring authenticity to their roles.
This isn’t Hanks’ first experience with digital enhancements. In 2004, he appeared as a CGI character in ‘The Polar Express’, and more recently, he was digitally de-aged in ‘A Man Called Otto’. However, at the panel, he cautioned fans about the growing use of AI in recreating performers, noting the ethical concerns it raises. In August, he warned his nine million Instagram followers about unauthorised AI-generated adverts using his likeness to promote “miracle cures” including a fake dental ad that used his likeness. “There are multiple ads on the internet falsely using my name, likeness, and voice to promote miracle cures and wonder drugs,” Hanks shared. “These ads have been created without my consent, fraudulently, and through AI.”
Hanks, who manages his type 2 diabetes under the guidance of a certified doctor, was vocal about maintaining control over his image in the entertainment industry. Discussing AI’s potential impacts on actors’ rights, he told British comedian Adam Buxton in May 2023, “We saw this coming. We saw that there was going to be this ability to take zeros and ones inside a computer and turn it into a face and a character. That has only grown a billionfold since then, and we see it everywhere.”
Reflecting on AI’s future in cinema, he remarked, “Right now, if I wanted to, I could pitch a series of films starring a 32-year-old version of me until the end of time. Anyone can now recreate themselves at any age through AI or deepfake technology.” He elaborated, “I could be hit by a bus tomorrow, and performances could continue without me. Outside the understanding that it’s done with AI, viewers may not even know it’s not me.”
Beyond his Hollywood legacy, Hanks has a deep connection to Greece. Honoured as an honorary Greek citizen in 2020, he has a long-standing affection for the country, often spending summers on the island of Antiparos with his wife, Rita Wilson, who is of Greek descent. Hanks and Wilson are known for their involvement in Greek Orthodox traditions and their support of causes related to Greece, bringing global awareness to its rich cultural heritage.
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