Viewers rank it near-perfect, yet the shoot nearly ran its star into the ground. And the chemistry everyone remembers? Off camera, it was a different story.

Forrest Gump still sits near the top of viewers’ hearts with a 4.6 out of 5 audience score. Behind the scenes, the magic had a price, with Tom Hanks pushed to exhaustion by those relentless cross-country runs and the constant travel and costume changes. Robin Wright recalls how the whirlwind left the pair with little off-camera time despite their on-screen bond. Now they reconnect in Robert Zemeckis’s Here, where de-aging tools and makeup help them share the frame anew.

The timeless charm of Forrest Gump

With a 4.6 out of 5 rating, Forrest Gump has cemented its place as one of cinema’s most beloved masterpieces. Its narrative, spanning decades and touching on love, destiny, and perseverance, continues to captivate audiences. Yet, behind the film’s heartwarming scenes, Tom Hanks faced significant challenges during the demanding production, revealing a lesser-known side of this iconic movie.

The on-screen magic, off-screen realities

Robin Wright, whose portrayal of Jenny intertwined so beautifully with Hanks’s Forrest, recently shared an intriguing detail about their filming experience. Despite their on-screen chemistry, the two barely had time to connect off camera. “We had hardly any interaction outside of our scenes,” she mentioned during a recent talk show appearance, referencing the grueling nature of the shoot and the tight schedules that often kept them apart. It’s a testament to their talent that their performances felt so authentic.

A grueling challenge for Hanks

For Hanks, the physical demands during filming were no small feat. The unforgettable running across America sequence, a moment that symbolizes perseverance and hope, was also a logistical marathon. Multiple locations, countless costume changes, and endless miles of running left Hanks exhausted. He once confessed feeling drained but maintained his commitment to portraying Forrest’s journey, down to the tiniest detail. His dedication elevated the film into the cherished classic it is today.

Tom Hanks and Robin Wright reunite with their “Forrest Gump” director Robert Zemeckis for the century-spanning “Here,” in which they are de-aged by decades and also appear in their 80s via makeup effects.

Here’s your first look: https://t.co/5L180E59bU pic.twitter.com/0IalPRWnVd

— Variety (@Variety) June 25, 2024

Reuniting years later

Fast forward to today, Hanks and Wright have reunited for a new cinematic chapter in their careers. The duo stars in Here, a film helmed once again by Robert Zemeckis, the visionary director of Forrest Gump. Set across different eras, the movie incorporates groundbreaking de-aging technology to seamlessly follow characters through time. For fans, seeing Hanks and Wright share the screen again feels nostalgic yet distinctly modern.

A classic that keeps giving

Forrest Gump has not only endured but continues to inspire. With its high viewer ratings and universal appeal, it’s no surprise some consider it the best film of all time. Whether rediscovering Forrest’s journey on streaming platforms or exploring the depth of Hanks and Wright’s complex new roles in Here, their partnership and the magic they bring to the screen remain as captivating as ever.