Jordan Karlesson
From Forrest Gump to Mr. Rogers, from Sully to Colonel Tom Parker, Tom Hanks is linked to a slew of well-known, larger-than-life personalities. But he had the opportunity to play one more, even though the role was fictional.
Videos by Rare
Tom Hanks, a.k.a. “America’s Dad,” famously turned down a chance to play Doctor Who, who is of British pedigree.
So, how come?
Doctor Who Creators Try to Tap Tom Hanks
Doctor Who has inspired an intense fandom since 1963. That year, the first iteration of the science fiction program premiered on the BBC. The British phenomenon was revived in 2005 and gained a worldwide following.
So the story goes, Peter Capaldi — who played Doctor Who from 2014 to 2017 — petitioned for Tom Hanks to come onboard.
“That would’ve been a blast, but that’s all, that’s all scheduling I guess,” Hanks recently commented. “Can’t do every job. And honestly, me as Doctor Who — can you imagine? Can you imagine the outrage? I’m an American, and I’m gonna go over, and I’m gonna jump in that you know, red telephone box, and you know, and either wear a scarf and whatever it is.”
Scheduling conflicts weren’t an issue for Neil Patrick Harris, the most recent — and first American — actor to take on the role. In fact, he is filming scenes that will appear in 2023 as part of the show’s 60th-anniversary celebration, according to reports from earlier this summer.
According to DoctorWho.tv, show-runner Russell T Davies cheered the decision to cast NPH.
“It’s my huge honour to open our studio doors for the mighty Neil Patrick Harris. But who, why, what is he playing?” he said. “You’ll just have to wait. But I promise you, the stuff we’re shooting now is off the scale. Doctor beware!”
SlashFilm.com already obtained a picture of Harris in costume while filming Doctor Who. Only time will tell if he is received warmly — especially by the Brits.
