The Untold Story Behind Tom Hanks' Iconic 80s Classic: Why a Sequel Never Happened
Despite its impact, this beloved 80s classic remains a standalone gem Join Tom Hanks on a nostalgic journey that captures the essence of a bygone era, reminding us why some movies are best left untouched A timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences
One of Tom Hanks' biggest hits from the 1980s was a star explaining why the movie never had a sequel. Despite still being a major success in the box office today, as exemplified by the sleeper hit A Man Called Otto in 2023, Hanks was at the peak of his Hollywood popularity in the 80s and 90s. He had a remarkable run of blockbusters including Sleepless in Seattle, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, and Toy Story, which solidified his status as a box office sensation. However, the beginning of this incredible streak can be traced back to 1988 and his first-ever $100+ million hit, the coming-of-age fantasy film titled Big. The movie lived up to its name, grossing $151 million worldwide. Surprisingly, despite the trend of sequels at that time, Big never received one. Recently, Elizabeth Perkins, one of the stars of the film, addressed the question of why Big never had a sequel when she was interviewed by ComicBook.com. Read her response below.
Big Would Have A Hard Time Getting Made Today
No, not even once. Although it was adapted into a Broadway musical briefly, there have been a few smaller spinoffs. I remember there was a film featuring a young girl who grew up, but it was never something that director Penny Marshall intended to create a sequel for. She believed that she had conveyed the story perfectly just the way it was, and both Tom and I were not interested in expanding upon it either. It was a singular moment in time, and I believe its perfection lies in its simplicity.
Despite its success in 1988 and critical acclaim, the movie Big has become somewhat problematic over time, primarily due to one crucial aspect. As fans may recall, the storyline revolves around a young boy named Josh who makes a wish on an antiquated carnival machine and wakes up as an adult man. Portrayed by Hanks, the grown-up Josh embarks on a journey that includes a romantic relationship with Perkins' character, an executive at a toy company. It goes without saying that in today's more sensitive era, the implications of a minor being intimate with an adult are seen as highly inappropriate, rendering the story untouchable.
Despite its questionable elements, Big remains a heartwarming coming-of-age story with a truly charming performance by the Oscar-nominated Hanks. The fact that the film never had a sequel may come as a surprise considering its success, but perhaps it is for the best. Trying to recreate the unique magic of the original would have been a challenging task for any sequel.
