The addition of Tom Hanks to any film is akin to hitting the jackpot in Hollywood. With his stellar reputation and two Oscars under his belt, Hanks is a surefire guarantee of quality and excellence. However, in the case of Leonardo DiCaprio’s riveting crime drama “Catch Me If You Can,” Hanks had to take matters into his own hands to secure a role.
Released in 2002, “Catch Me If You Can” stands as one of the most captivating movies based on a true story, chronicling the daring exploits of young Frank Abagnale Jr. as he assumes various identities, including that of an American pilot, to execute a series of audacious cons. Hanks portrays the determined FBI agent tasked with bringing him to justice, marking a standout collaboration between Spielberg, Hanks, and DiCaprio.
Interestingly, Hanks wasn’t originally slated to be part of the project. Director Steven Spielberg revealed in an interview with Roger Ebert that Hanks essentially invited himself into the film. After reading the script as a writing sample, Hanks personally reached out to Spielberg and the co-producer, Walter Parkes, expressing his desire to portray the FBI agent. He believed he understood the character intimately and felt compelled to be involved.
Spielberg recounted Hanks’ earnestness, stating, “Tom had read the script as a writing sample and called me and Walter Parkes, the co-producer, and said, ‘Can I be in this movie? Do you think Steven would let me play the FBI agent? I really know who this guy is.'” Despite feeling somewhat surprised by Hanks’ boldness, Spielberg ultimately welcomed him into the project with open arms.
Hanks’ humility and genuine passion for the role endeared him to both Spielberg and DiCaprio. When Hanks reached out to DiCaprio to gauge his feelings about joining the cast, DiCaprio was thrilled by the prospect, viewing Hanks’ involvement as a tremendous asset to the film.
In the end, Hanks’ decision to “horn in” on the project proved to be a stroke of genius. His portrayal of the tenacious FBI agent added depth and gravitas to the film, elevating it to new heights. “Catch Me If You Can” became an instant classic, solidifying Hanks’ status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents.
Since their collaboration on “Catch Me If You Can,” Hanks and Spielberg have continued to join forces on several acclaimed projects, including “The Post,” “Bridge of Spies,” and “The Terminal,” each showcasing their exceptional talents in captivating storytelling.
