Tom Hanks revealed in the most recent episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that he has never engaged in a conversation with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige regarding potential involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also mentioned that he hasn’t shared any meals with filmmaker James Gunn to discuss the fresh direction of the new DC Universe. However, Hanks clarified that he has never had any qualms about comic book movies throughout his career. Recently, he has observed a shift where audiences appear to be gravitating away from visually immersive comic book spectacles toward narratives that prioritize authentic storytelling over special effects.
Reflecting on the evolution of superhero portrayals, Hanks reminisced about the attempts made in the 1970s and ’80s to adapt iconic characters like Captain America, Spider-Man, and even the classic rendition of Batman starring Adam West. He noted that the technological limitations of the era meant it was nearly impossible to faithfully recreate the vibrant imagery found in comic books. Yet, he highlighted that Christopher Reeve’s performance as Superman marked a pivotal moment in cinematic history, showcasing how advancements in wire removal technology allowed audiences to suspend their disbelief and genuinely believe in the possibility of flying heroes. “It was quite extraordinary,” Hanks said, conveying the magic that such films created.
Hanks elaborated on how, in contemporary cinema, viewers are gifted with a vast array of visual possibilities, prompting a crucial question: “What is the story?” He emphasized that while filmmakers can create astonishing visuals, such as imagining Lake Michigan filled with whimsical cuckoo clocks morphing into a three-headed dragon, there needs to be a substantial narrative to anchor such fantastical elements. “We’ve had 20 years to explore that kind of thing, and now we’re in an evolution and place where it’s: And the story is what? The theme is what?” he pondered, stressing the importance of narrative depth in today’s films.
The comic book film genre has faced considerable challenges at the box office in recent years. Major releases in 2023 such as “Shazam: Fury of the Gods,” “The Flash,” “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” and “The Marvels” experienced disappointing performances. Other titles, like “Madame Web” and “Joker: Folie a Deux,” have also struggled, while “Venom: The Last Dance” opened with the lowest ticket sales of its trilogy. In stark contrast, Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” achieved remarkable success, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 2024 and the largest R-rated release in cinematic history, raking in an impressive $1.3 billion. Hanks perceives this trend as indicative of a more discerning audience that craves substance beyond mere visual stimulation.
Hanks pointed out that the film industry has long operated on the principle that successful concepts will be replicated; however, he noted that the audience has already evolved past this formula. “They see the familiar and they say, ‘I’ve seen that already. What’s next?’” he asserted. This shift reflects a growing demand for stories that resonate on a personal level, as moviegoers increasingly seek narratives that echo their own experiences. “We’re in new territory about that every year it seems,” Hanks concluded.
Tune in to Hanks’ complete conversation on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast in the video included below.
**Interview with Tom Hanks on the Evolution of Superhero Cinema**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Tom. You recently mentioned on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that you’ve never had talks with Kevin Feige about joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Can you elaborate on that?
**Tom Hanks:** Absolutely. It’s not that I have any issues with comic book films; they’ve been a huge part of cinematic culture for two decades now. I’ve just never found myself in discussions with Kevin or anyone at Marvel. Those stories are unique, and while I appreciate them, I think my focus has always been on narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
**Interviewer:** You also mentioned a lack of conversation with James Gunn regarding the new DC Universe. What are your thoughts on the current landscape of superhero films?
**Tom Hanks:** We’re witnessing a noticeable shift. Audiences seem to be gravitating toward films that prioritize authentic storytelling over explosive visuals. In the past, it was all about visual spectacles. Now, more than ever, it feels like we need to ask ourselves: “What is the story?”
**Interviewer:** You touched on the technological limitations of the 1970s and ’80s when adapting comic book characters. Why do you think Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman stands out?
**Tom Hanks:** Christopher’s performance was revolutionary. The way he embodied Superman allowed us to believe in the unbelievable, especially with the advancements in wire removal technology that allowed audiences to see him fly convincingly. It was magic on screen—something that hadn’t been done at that level before.
**Interviewer:** With the vast array of visuals available today, how do you think filmmakers can ground their fantastical elements?
**Tom Hanks:** Filmmakers today have the tools to create nearly anything they can dream up! But ultimately, without a substantial narrative, all those visuals fall flat. It’s not enough to have a lake filled with cuckoo clocks morphing into a dragon; there needs to be a compelling story that connects the audience to the spectacle. We’ve had 20 years of exploring these visuals, but now it’s time to ensure there’s substance beyond the special effects.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’re advocating for a return to storytelling at the heart of filmmaking.
**Tom Hanks:** Exactly. The visuals are a bonus, but the story is what captivates and holds the audience’s attention. That’s what keeps the legacy of storytelling alive in cinema.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Tom, for sharing your insights. It’s always a pleasure to hear your thoughts on the evolution of film!
**Tom Hanks:** Thank you! Always happy to talk about movies and storytelling.
