14. The leading role
The casting process can be tough. Directors are often indecisive – especially when a role is pivotal to the film’s success.
The casting of Captain Miller was crucial
It therefore makes perfect sense that Spielberg was indecisive when it came to casting the role of Captain Miller.
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Apparently, film legends Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford were both considered for the role, but Spielberg decided against them.
Harrison Ford was considered
Instead he chose Tom Hanks – a double Oscar winner, famous at the time for his role as Forrest Gump.
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Hanks is of course film royalty, and it made sense after seeing him playing Forrest Gump why Spielberg thought he’d be perfect for Captain Miller.
But ultimately Tom Hanks won out
After all, Forrest Gump’s story entailed becoming a soldier in the Vietnam War. Hanks had consequently already gained experience filming war, and had also trained for it.
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