A Hypothetical: Tom Hanks as Atticus Finch in a staging of "To Kill A Mockingbird"

[Eagleman]

Posted: 8/14/08 at 11:14pm

What do you think or who do you think could tackle the challenge of assuming the role that Gregory Peck immortalized?

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 8/14/08 at 11:29pm

I love Tom Hanks, but I'm...not really sure. I'd love to see Boyd Gaines tackle it though.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/14/08 at 11:51pm

I like the Boyd Gaines thought.

[elphabelle07]

Posted: 8/14/08 at 11:52pm

i have actually wished that Tom Hanks would play Atticus for quite a long time!

Boyd Gaines is a swell idea, too.

[birdboy782]

Posted: 8/14/08 at 11:58pm

So bored by Boyd.

Tom is a great idea.

[philcrosby]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 9:39am

Tom would be wonderful in it.

I remember, about 15 years ago, Tom was in Cleveland, doing a benefit show he had written to raise money for Great Lakes Theater Festival.

I had gone to rehearsal on dinner break (where Tom was treating the cast and crew to a catered dinner) to take care of some business and was excited to announce that we had just signed Hal Holbrook and Elizabeth Franz to star in a production of DEATH OF A SALESMAN.

Tom's head snapped around and said, "Who's playing Biff?!?!" At the time, Tom would have been the perfect age.

I responded, "I am sure it could be you, if you were interested!"

You could see a wave of sadness pass across his face. He had come to us having just completed filming on PHILADELPHIA. He knew his film career was accelerating and this was not the time to commit to stage work. But boy, you could tell he wanted it.

Steven Weber ended up playing Biff. He was good, but ....

[Roscoe]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 10:29am

Hanks would do his Noble schtick, it would be awful. Such a shame that such a fascinating performer has turned into such a bore.

[madbrian]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 10:43am

What Roscoe said. I do like the idea of Boyd Gaines.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 11:07am

Don't let Roundabout mount a production. They would cast Alan Cumming.

[playbills]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 11:23am

Boyd Gaines as Atticus would be awesome! And would round out his Tony Awards if he won Best Leading Actor in a play.

A Tony trip down memory lane?
HEIDI CHRONICLES - Featured Actor in a play
SHE LOVES ME - Leading Actor in a musical
GYPSY - Featured Actor in a musical

[Eagleman]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 12:01pm

"Hanks would do his Noble schtick, it would be awful."

It IS Atticus Finch the character an AFI poll declared "The greatest hero in the history of American film".

I suppose you coud have David Mamet write the play and he could have Finch more like
Paul Newman's alcoholic ambulance chaser in "The Verdict".

[fachedaluna]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 12:06pm

That's a good one. I'd go and see him play that roll!

[wink]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 7:19pm

No, not Tom Hanks. He's a wonderful actor but he's not Atticus Finch.

[B3TA07]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 7:21pm

" roll! "

LOL really? Has 3rd grade failed you?

[keen on kean]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 7:25pm

I don't know why, but I agree with those expressing reservations about Hanks. He is a fine actor, but there is such a depth and dignity about Atticus that I don't think Hanks quite has (and Gregory Peck had, down to his fingertips!). Boyd Gaines - yes, based on what I saw in him in JOURNEY'S END.

[Brave Sir Robin2]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 7:36pm

My English teacher who taught me Mockingbird thinks the same thing about Tom Hanks.