The Boy Who Lived 30: Tom Hanks' Age in "Big" is a Jaw-Dropping Reveal That Stood the Test of Time

Tom Hanks is an iconic actor known for his versatility and range in a wide variety of film roles. One of his most memorable performances was in the 1988 film "Big," where he played the role of Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who makes a wish to be big and wakes up the next morning to find himself in the body of a grown man. In this article, we will explore the surprising reveal of Tom Hanks' age in "Big" and how it affected the film's box office performance.

The film "Big" was released in 1988 and was directed by Penny Marshall. The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $111 million at the box office. Tom Hanks' performance in the film was widely praised, and he went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1993 film "Philadelphia."

One of the most surprising aspects of Tom Hanks' performance in "Big" was his age. The film's storyline revolved around Josh Baskin's experiences as a 12-year-old boy trapped in the body of a grown man. The audience was led to believe that Josh was indeed 12 years old, despite being played by a 30-year-old Tom Hanks.

The use of child actors in film is not uncommon, and it was not unusual for child actors to play older characters. However, the use of Tom Hanks in the role of Josh Baskin was still a surprise to many fans. The film's marketing campaign hinted at Josh's age, with posters and trailers featuring a 12-year-old boy and a tagline that read "12 going on 30." However, when the film was released, it became clear that Josh was actually much older.

The Film's Marketing Strategy

The film's marketing strategy played a significant role in creating a sense of surprise and intrigue around Tom Hanks' age. The trailers and posters featured a 12-year-old boy, and the tagline "12 going on 30" was meant to convey Josh's youthful energy and enthusiasm. However, the final product revealed that Josh was actually much older, and the film's marketing campaign was left to wonder why this had been done.

The use of a child actor to play an older character was a deliberate choice made by the film's director, Penny Marshall. Marshall wanted to create a sense of innocence and wonder around Josh's experiences, and she felt that using a child actor was the best way to achieve this. The use of Tom Hanks in the role of Josh was also a deliberate choice, as he was seen as the perfect actor to bring the character to life.

The Benefits of Using a Child Actor

The use of child actors in film has several benefits. One of the main advantages is that child actors can bring a sense of innocence and wonder to a film. This is particularly true in films that feature older characters, as child actors can add a sense of naivety and curiosity to the role.

The Drawbacks of Using a Child Actor

However, using child actors in film also has its drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is that child actors can be prone to growing up too quickly. This can make it difficult for the actor to remain in character, particularly if the film is released close to the actor's birthday.

In the case of "Big," the use of a child actor to play Josh Baskin was a deliberate choice made by the film's director. The film's marketing campaign was left to wonder why Tom Hanks was chosen to play the role, and the final product revealed that Josh was actually much older.

The Box Office Performance of "Big"

The film "Big" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $111 million at the box office. The film's box office performance was impressive, considering that it was released in 1988 and was competing with other big-budget films.

One of the reasons for the film's success was its unique storyline. The film's use of a child actor to play an older character was a bold move, and it paid off in terms of box office performance. The film's marketing campaign was also successful, with the use of a 12-year-old boy and a tagline that read "12 going on 30."

The Impact of Tom Hanks' Age on the Film's Box Office Performance

Tom Hanks' age as Josh Baskin had a significant impact on the film's box office performance. The film's marketing campaign hinted at Josh's age, with posters and trailers featuring a 12-year-old boy and a tagline that read "12 going on 30." However, when the film was released, it became clear that Josh was actually much older.

The use of Tom Hanks in the role of Josh Baskin was a surprise to many fans. The film's marketing campaign was left to wonder why Tom Hanks was chosen to play the role, and the final product revealed that Josh was actually much older.

The Film's Legacy

The film "Big" has become a beloved classic, and its legacy continues to be celebrated today. The film's unique storyline and memorable characters have made it a staple of 80s cinema, and it continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.

One of the reasons for the film's enduring popularity is its exploration of themes such as childhood innocence and the challenges of growing up. The film's use of a child actor to play an older character was a bold move, and it paid off in terms of box office performance.

The Significance of Tom Hanks' Age in "Big"

Tom Hanks' age as Josh Baskin was a significant aspect of the film's storyline. The film