According to the Hollywood Reporter, Tom Hanks would likely not be able to play in the Oscar winning roles he once played in both Forrest Gump and Philadelphia in modern times. While Hanks was speaking with The New York Times about his roles in the films, hanks was advocating that in modern times straight actors should not be playing gay characters in films. Hanks is quoted in saying, “the whole point of Philadelphia was don’t be afraid and that part of how audiences of that time were able to engage with that movie was because its leading character wasn’t played by a gay actor.” Today, Hanks says times have changed, “with the authenticity of a performance more important. One of the reasons people weren’t afraid of that movie is that I was playing a gay man. We’re beyond that now, and I don’t think people would accept the inauthenticity of a straight guy playing a gay guy,” He stated. He went on to explain that doing so is not a crime, however, the modern audience is looking for something more authentic then they used to look for in films.
—
Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com