Discovering Tom Hanks: What Was His First Big Film?

Lizeth Purdy 29 Jul 2025

When we think about beloved actors who have shaped cinema for decades, a few names immediately come to mind, and certainly, Tom Hanks stands tall among them. His career, marked by incredible range and memorable performances, has given us so many stories that really stick with you. It makes you wonder, doesn't it, about the very beginning of his widespread fame?

People often ask about that special movie, the one that truly launched him into the spotlight, making him a household name. Every big star has that particular role, a film that captures the hearts of audiences and critics alike, setting the stage for everything that follows. It's a fascinating question, that, figuring out which project first showed the world what a remarkable talent he possessed.

So, what was Tom Hanks' first big film? The answer, as many fans and film buffs will tell you, points directly to a heartwarming and imaginative comedy from the late 1980s that really made an impact. We're going to explore that significant moment in his professional life, the film that helped define his early success.

A Look at Tom Hanks' Early Career and Breakthrough
- Who is Tom Hanks?
- The Start of a Legendary Path
"Big": The Film That Changed Everything
- The Story of Josh Baskin
- The Vision Behind the Camera: Penny Marshall's Direction
- A Box Office Triumph
- Critical Acclaim and Academy Recognition
- The Cast That Brought It to Life
Why "Big" Was Tom Hanks' First Major Hit
Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Hanks' Breakthrough

A Look at Tom Hanks' Early Career and Breakthrough

Who is Tom Hanks?

Tom Hanks is an actor and filmmaker known for his diverse roles and approachable on-screen persona. He has received numerous awards and is widely considered one of the most respected figures in modern cinema. He's had a long, very successful career, shaping many unforgettable characters.

Full Name	Thomas Jeffrey Hanks
Occupation	Actor, Filmmaker
Notable Collaborations	Steven Spielberg (e.g., Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, The Terminal)
Film Debut Year	1979
First Big Film	Big (1988)

The Start of a Legendary Path

Long before he was known for dramatic roles or even the family-friendly comedies that brought him fame, Tom Hanks began his acting journey a bit earlier than some might realize. His passion for performing actually took hold in the early 1970s, you know, when he found himself captivated by Eugene O'Neill's play, "The Iceman Cometh." That experience, it seems, truly smitten him with the craft of acting, setting him on a path that would change his life.

His first venture onto the silver screen happened when he moved to New York in 1979. He appeared in a low-budget horror movie, a film called "He Knows You're Alone." It was a small part, just a little glimpse of what was to come, but it marked his official film debut. From there, he also showed up in "Mazes and Monsters," a television movie, continuing to gain experience in front of the camera.

These early roles were modest, giving him a chance to learn the ropes of movie making. He was, in a way, building a foundation, preparing for the bigger opportunities that would eventually come knocking. His path was a gradual one, not an overnight sensation, but one that showed a consistent dedication to his chosen field, which is actually quite admirable.

"Big": The Film That Changed Everything

While Tom Hanks had been working in films for nearly a decade by 1988, it was that year that truly marked a turning point in his career. The film that brought him widespread recognition and cemented his place as a leading man was "Big." This fantasy comedy, directed by Penny Marshall, really resonated with audiences, becoming a significant moment for him.

The Story of Josh Baskin

"Big" tells the story of Josh Baskin, a young boy who, feeling frustrated with the limitations of childhood, makes a wish to be "big." To his utter surprise, he wakes up the very next morning to find himself transformed into an adult man. This sudden change, you can imagine, throws his world completely upside down, creating all sorts of amusing and heartfelt situations.

Tom Hanks plays the adult Josh Baskin, capturing the innocence and wonder of a child trapped in a grown-up body. The film, in some respects, is the ultimate "fish out of water" story, exploring the challenges and joys of seeing the adult world through a child's eyes. David Moscow, who played the younger Josh Baskin, even wore contacts to make sure his eye color matched Hanks', a small detail that really helped connect the two portrayals.

The premise allowed Hanks to show off his unique blend of humor and genuine emotion, something that audiences truly connected with. He had to convey the confusion, the excitement, and the simple pleasures of a child experiencing adult life for the first time. It was a role that, you know, required a very special touch, and he delivered it beautifully.

The Vision Behind the Camera: Penny Marshall's Direction

The success of "Big" owes a great deal to its director, Penny Marshall. When she took on the project, she understood that the entire film's impact hinged on the casting of the lead actor. She needed someone who could believably portray a child's spirit within an adult's frame, someone who could make that fantastical premise feel real and relatable.

Marshall's decision to cast Tom Hanks proved to be a stroke of genius. She recognized his innate ability to bring warmth and authenticity to his characters. Her direction allowed him the space to explore the nuances of Josh Baskin, ensuring that the performance felt both funny and deeply touching. This collaboration, you could say, was a perfect match, leading to a truly beloved film.

Her careful guidance helped shape the film into more than just a simple comedy; it became a story with heart and a gentle message. She had a clear vision for the movie, and that, is that, truly helped it stand out. It’s pretty clear she knew exactly what she was doing when she chose Hanks for the part.

A Box Office Triumph

"Big" wasn't just a critical darling; it was also a massive commercial success. The film opened to enthusiastic audiences and quickly became one of the biggest commercial hits of 1988. It grossed over $100 million at the box office, which, for its time, was a very significant achievement, especially when you consider its budget.

This financial success was a clear indicator that audiences were ready for Tom Hanks in a starring role. It showed that his unique appeal could draw crowds and make a film a genuine hit. The movie's popularity continued for quite some time, making it a staple on home video and television for years after its initial release. It really was a huge success, more or less, for everyone involved.

The film's impressive earnings solidified Hanks' position as a bankable star, paving the way for even bigger projects in his future. It proved that he could carry a major motion picture, and that people were willing to spend their money to see him perform. This kind of success, you know, can really change an actor's career path.

Critical Acclaim and Academy Recognition

Beyond its box office performance, "Big" also earned considerable critical praise. Film critics lauded the movie for its clever script, charming direction, and, of course, Tom Hanks' standout performance. This was the first time Tom Hanks truly got noticed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which is a very big deal in Hollywood.

The Academy nominated him for Best Actor for his portrayal of Josh Baskin. While he ultimately lost to Dustin Hoffman for his role in "Rain Man," the nomination itself was a huge moment. It signaled that he was no longer just a comedic actor; he was someone whose dramatic abilities and nuanced performances were being recognized at the highest level of the industry. This nomination, too it's almost, put him on a different level.

Moreover, "Big" also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, recognizing the clever and heartfelt writing that brought the story to life. These nominations confirmed the film's artistic merit and its lasting impact on cinema. It really was a double win, in a way, for both Hanks and the film itself, showcasing its overall quality.

The Cast That Brought It to Life

While Tom Hanks' performance was central to "Big"'s appeal, the film also benefited from a strong supporting cast who helped bring the whimsical story to life. Elizabeth Perkins played Susan, Josh's love interest, navigating the unusual circumstances with grace and humor. Her chemistry with Hanks was, you know, quite lovely to watch, adding a layer of genuine connection to the story.

Robert Loggia played MacMillan, the toy company CEO who takes Josh under his wing. Their scenes together, especially the iconic piano dance, are among the film's most memorable moments. John Heard also appeared as Paul, adding another dimension to the adult world Josh finds himself in. These actors helped create a believable and engaging environment for Josh's transformation, which is pretty important for a fantasy story.

And, of course, David Moscow played the part of young Josh Baskin, providing the foundation for Hanks' adult portrayal. The seamless transition between the two actors helped sell the film's central premise, making it easy for viewers to believe that the same boy was now inhabiting an adult body. The entire ensemble, you could say, worked together beautifully to make the film a lasting favorite.

Why "Big" Was Tom Hanks' First Major Hit

"Big" was a pivotal moment for Tom Hanks because it allowed him to showcase a depth and range that audiences hadn't fully seen before. His earlier roles, while charming, hadn't quite captured the widespread attention or critical acclaim that "Big" did. This film offered him a character that was both comedic and deeply emotional, requiring a performance that was truly unique.

The film's commercial success proved his drawing power at the box office, transforming him from a promising actor into a genuine star. The Academy Award nomination, too, signaled a significant shift in how the industry viewed him, moving him into conversations about serious acting talent. It was, in essence, the movie that opened the doors to the more dramatic and acclaimed roles that would follow, like his collaborations with Steven Spielberg, giving us memorable movies such as "Saving Private Ryan" and "Catch Me If You Can."

So, while "He Knows You're Alone" was his very first film, "Big" was undeniably his first big film, the one that truly launched his career into the stratosphere. It remains a beloved classic today, a testament to his incredible talent and the enduring appeal of a story about the magic of childhood. It’s a film that, really, still brings joy to many people, even all these years later. Learn more about Big (1988) on IMDb.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Hanks' Breakthrough

People often have questions about Tom Hanks' early career and the film that made him a household name. Here are some common inquiries.

Was "Big" Tom Hanks' first movie?

No, "Big" was not Tom Hanks' first movie. His film debut was in the low-budget horror film "He Knows You're Alone" in 1979. However, "Big" was his first *big* film, meaning his first major commercial and critical success that brought him widespread recognition.

What year did the movie "Big" come out?

The iconic film "Big" premiered in 1988. It quickly became one of the biggest commercial hits of that year, grossing over $100 million at the box office. This was a very significant achievement for a film at that time.

Did Tom Hanks win an Oscar for "Big"?

Tom Hanks did not win an Oscar for "Big," but he did receive his first Best Actor nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his performance. He lost to Dustin Hoffman for his role in "Rain Man." The film also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, which is pretty cool.

Today, looking back at his incredible career, it's clear that "Big" played a crucial role in shaping Tom Hanks into the beloved actor we know. It truly set the stage for his remarkable journey in cinema, a journey that has given us so many unforgettable characters and stories. If you're interested in more about actors who made a huge splash with a particular film, you could check out our site, or perhaps explore other groundbreaking performances on this page.

Big (1988)

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Discovering Tom Hanks: What Was His First Big Film?

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