Tom Hanks recently expressed how seamlessly he and Robin Wright reconnected while filming their new movie, Here. This reunion marks a significant moment in their careers, occurring 30 years after they shared the screen in the iconic film Forrest Gump.
A Nostalgic Reunion at AFI Fest
During the world premiere of Here at AFI Fest in Los Angeles on October 25, 2024, Hanks, 68, shared his thoughts on reuniting with Wright, 58, and director Robert Zemeckis. He recalled how effortless it felt to work together again, stating, “It was like, ‘Hey, how you doing?’” The connection felt so natural that Hanks remarked, “We just picked up right where we left off.” This reflects the bond they formed while portraying childhood friends in Forrest Gump, which debuted in 1994.
Easy Collaboration
Wright echoed Hanks’ sentiments, emphasizing the comfort of working with familiar faces. “Working with people you know and you’re compatible with, there’s nothing like that,” she noted. Their long-standing friendship and shared experiences made it easy for them to collaborate effectively on Here.
Hanks added, “We all know each other so well. We could put our heads together and know exactly what we wanted to try different.” This deep understanding among the cast and crew is evident as they embark on a new storytelling journey.
Themes of Connection and Generational Experiences
Here explores themes of love, loss, and the connection between families across generations. According to the film’s synopsis, the story centers on multiple families and the special place they inhabit, capturing relatable human experiences.
For Hanks, the film resonates with the passage of time and familial connections. He drew parallels between Here and Forrest Gump, noting, “I think that oddly enough, the theme of the first one was about what we had been through.” Hanks emphasized that Here focuses on present experiences and the challenges faced by people living in modern times.
He explained, “What do we go through in order to get to here?” This perspective underscores the evolving nature of human experiences, highlighting how individuals navigate their realities without the hindsight of history.
A Star-Studded Cast and Vision
In addition to Hanks and Wright, Here features a talented cast, including Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly, and Michelle Dockery. The film aims to capture the essence of life’s various stages, presenting a “tale of love, loss, laughter, and life.”
Hanks concluded by reflecting on how historical perspectives shape our understanding of the present, stating, “They didn’t realize that they were going to be antiquated by the time we got around by the year 2024. None of us do.”
As fans eagerly await the release of Here, the reunion of Hanks and Wright promises to deliver a heartfelt narrative that resonates with audiences of all generations. This collaboration not only marks a nostalgic moment in their careers but also a significant exploration of timeless themes that connect us all.