10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About ‘Forrest Gump’

When ‘Forrest Gump’ premiered in 1994, it became an instant classic that blended heartfelt storytelling with historical moments in a way audiences had never seen before. Tom Hanks’ portrayal of the lovable and sincere Forrest touched hearts around the world, and the film’s mix of humor, drama, and iconic quotes made it a cultural phenomenon. Winning multiple Oscars, including Best Picture, it cemented its place as one of the most beloved films of all time.

But behind the running shoes, shrimp boats, and box of chocolates, there are plenty of surprising details that many fans don’t know. From production challenges to unexpected casting choices, the making of ‘Forrest Gump’ is full of fascinating stories. Here are some you might not have heard.

Tom Hanks Wasn’t Paid His Usual Salary

Instead of taking his standard fee, Tom Hanks agreed to work for a percentage of the film’s profits. This turned out to be a smart move, as the movie became a massive box office success.

Hanks later joked that it was one of the best business decisions he ever made, though at the time he was more interested in the story than the money.

The Running Scenes Were Done Without a Double

All of Forrest’s cross-country running sequences were performed by Tom Hanks himself. The grueling shoot required him to run for long stretches in various weather conditions.

Hanks has said the running was one of the most physically demanding parts of the role, but he wanted it to feel authentic.

The Vietnam Scenes Were Filmed in the United States

Although the Vietnam War plays a big part in the story, those jungle scenes weren’t filmed overseas. They were actually shot in South Carolina, with the lush greenery doubling for Southeast Asia.

The filmmakers used clever set design and visual effects to make the locations look like authentic wartime landscapes.

The Bench Became a Tourist Attraction

The bench where Forrest tells his story became so famous that it’s now on display in a museum in Savannah, Georgia. It was originally just a movie prop placed in Chippewa Square for filming.

Visitors still flock to the square to see the spot, even though the bench itself is no longer there.

Sally Field Played Tom Hanks’ Mother Despite Being Close in Age

Sally Field, who played Forrest’s mother, is only ten years older than Tom Hanks in real life. Movie magic and makeup helped create the believable age gap.

Field embraced the nurturing role and brought warmth to every scene she shared with Hanks.

Robin Wright Filmed While Sick

Robin Wright, who played Jenny, filmed some of her most emotional scenes while battling the flu. She pushed through her illness to deliver a heartfelt performance.

Her dedication helped make Jenny’s journey one of the most moving parts of the film.

Bubba’s Lip Was a Prosthetic

Mykelti Williamson, who played Bubba, wore a special prosthetic lip to create the character’s distinctive appearance. Some viewers didn’t realize it was a makeup effect at all.

Williamson has said the prosthetic helped him fully embody Bubba’s gentle personality.

Historical Figures Were Added with Groundbreaking Technology

The film’s integration of Forrest into real historical footage was cutting-edge for its time. Visual effects artists carefully matched Hanks’ movements to vintage clips.

This allowed Forrest to “interact” with presidents and celebrities in a way that felt seamless on screen.

The Ping-Pong Scenes Had a Special Trick

Forrest’s ping-pong skills were created using CGI. Tom Hanks mimed playing without a ball, and the ping-pong was added digitally afterward.

This allowed for impossibly fast and precise shots that would have been difficult to achieve in real life.

The Movie Nearly Had a Different Ending

Early drafts of the script ended with a more bittersweet tone, showing Forrest sitting at the bus stop after Jenny’s death without meeting his son.

The filmmakers decided to change it, giving audiences a more hopeful and uplifting conclusion.

Which of these ‘Forrest Gump’ facts surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!