Tom Hanks Won't Star in Spielberg's 'Harvey'

It perhaps seemed too easy to connect Tom Hanks to Steven Spielberg's upcoming remake of Harvey, the 1950 James Stewart film based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play. I don't know that it's as common a refrain these days, but seven to ten years ago Hanks was often described as being a modern Jimmy Stewart. He has a history with Spielberg. So why wouldn't Hanks be a natural fit here? Turns out, that could be the reason he's not going to be in the movie. Variety says that Hanks apparently met with Spielberg but that "the last thing he would want to do is star in a project so closely identified with [Stewart]. Hanks didn't even read the Jonathan Tropper script." So now what? I have no idea. I'm sure Spielberg will have no shortage of opportunities to find an actor that is to his liking, but is it a good thing or a bad thing to carry around that weight of an iconic Jimmy Stewart performance? Will audiences have an expectation or will Spielberg look to find someone who does or does not embody those qualities? If there was indeed a discussion between Hanks and Spielberg, then I'd say the director is probably looking for that America's Next Door Neighbor persona, the everyman that Hanks so readily personifies. Probably won't be Russell Crowe, Sean Penn, or Christian Bale, I'm guessing. The film was supposed to race into pre-production, so this question mark probably can't afford to get much bigger.

Comments

[SEAN]

So yeah Ive mentioned before while commenting...possibly a new name or a nobody will come into the mix...

It will be a tough act to follow and whomever does indeed get the job, WHAT A FUCKEN AMAZING JOB HE WILL HAVE!!!

interesting quote Colin, regarding Hanks embodies America's next door neighbor type...i never really thought of that that way , good point

[anybody]

Kevin Spacey... same next door kind of quality no? Plus he does a killer Jimmy Stewart (not that he'd do it in the film, just a bonus for a laugh on set).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CucgKJEdXnw

[Rick]

How about James Caviezel? Who wouldn't want Jesus as their neighbor...

[ummmm]

two words: RYAN GOSLING!!! it might be a little too much like lars, but he would absolutely make it refreshing and be amazing!

[scott]

I'd like to see Michael Shannon take a shot at it.

[SEAN]

Oooo Michael Shannon would be great....and ryan gosling would be too...

Kevin Spacey I always love that would be great pick too...

Maybe Tom Cruise?? I mean Spielberg loves him and he's shown the public his comedic chops...

[Mike]

Man, it sure would be awesome to see Jason Lee take the role. It might...MIGHT...make up for his atrocious choice in doing Alvin and the Chipmunks.

[Norm]

I sincerely hope Spielberg dies before remaking "Harvey"