Key Takeaways:
– The rights to the Forrest Gump script were initially with Warner Bros.
– Paramount acquired rights to the script through a trade-off with Warner Bros.
– Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis took salary cuts to make the film.
– Despite budget issues, the film was a huge success, earning $678.2 million.
The Origins of an Epic Tale
Three decades ago, actor Tom Hanks collaborated with director Robert Zemeckis to create Forrest Gump, an iconic film that shaped cinema history. Hanks' organic portrayal of Forrest, coupled with Zemeckis' visionary direction, made for a memorable film that still resonates with the audience today. However, the backstory of this film's making reveals a roller-coaster of events.
At the time, Sherry Lansing was at the helm of Paramount Pictures. Under her leadership, the studio took bold, unconventional strides in film-making, with Forrest Gump being its biggest gamble. This story derives from Winston Groom's book, but Warner Bros. initially owned the rights to its screen adaptation.
From Warner Bros. to Paramount: A Mesmerizing Script
Lansing saw rather early on the potential in Eric Roth's script based on Groom's novel. Warner Bros., however, had no plans of making a film out of it due to a competing film starring Tom Cruise. In a mutually beneficial move, Paramount traded the rights of the screenplay to Executive Decision with Warner Bros. to receive the script for what would later become Forrest Gump.
In her biography, ‘Leading Lady,' Lansing recounts her experience. She describes Roth's script as the “most beautiful script she had ever read.” This journey of obtaining the script for the movie and bringing it to life shows Sherry Lansing's visionary leadership.
A Learning Experience From Rain Man
Interestingly, Rain Man, the film starring Tom Cruise, was also critically acclaimed. Co-starring Dustin Hoffman and directed by Barry Levinson, the film swooped several Oscars. This success seemingly deterred Warner Bros from considering another narrative-driven film. However, this didn't affect Forrest Gump's prospects, as it later emerged as an Oscar-winning film itself.
Nailing Down the Budget: A Balancing Act
Paramount allotted $40 million to Forrest Gump, but it was soon apparent the funding would be exceeded. The film was shot across 10 American states, in over 150 locations, spare change was hard to come by. The studio had to procure at least another $10 million to complete the project.
To keep Forrest Gump running, both Hanks and Zemeckis sacrificed 50% of their paychecks. The two eventually brokered a deal for a bigger share of the profits if the film was successful. This risk exemplified the belief they held in the movie.
A Cinematic Triumph: The Payoff
Despite several budget constraints and setbacks, Forrest Gump made it past the finish line. When the film's production concluded, it was obvious the hardships paid off. Upon release, the film was a massive success, reportedly earning Hanks and Zemeckis a whopping $40 million each. In total, Forrest Gump raked in $678.2 million.
Today, you can stream Forrest Gump on Paramount+, while Rain Man is available on MGM+. This behind-the-scenes story of Forrest Gump underlines how determination and vision can lead to monumental success. The making of Forrest Gump was undoubtedly a high stakes journey, which eventually paid off in dividends, cementing its place in cinematic history.
