Hey there, movie lovers! Have you ever wondered why a sequel to the iconic film Forrest Gump never saw the light of day? Well, buckle up, because we're diving into the untold story behind the scenes. Spoiler alert: it wasn't just about creative differences or lack of ideas. It was something far more profound. Let me tell you the full story.
Eric Roth Opens Up About the Sequel That Almost Was
Eric Roth, the brilliant mind behind the screenplay for Robert Zemeckis's 1994 masterpiece, recently spilled the beans to Yahoo Entertainment. For years, fans have speculated about why Forrest Gump never got a follow-up. Turns out, the answer lies in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. But let's rewind a bit and set the stage for this untold chapter.
Eric Roth, who also co-wrote the blockbuster A Star Is Born in 2018, revealed that he had completed a draft of the sequel just before the world-changing events of 9/11. “I turned in the script draft the day before 9/11,” he shared. “Tom Hanks, Bob Zemeckis, and I met up the next day, not to talk movies, but to make sense of what had happened in our country. It was a somber moment, and we all realized that the story we had crafted no longer resonated in the same way.”
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Why Did 9/11 Change Everything?
Now, you might be wondering how a national tragedy could derail an entire movie project. Well, the plot of the sequel revolved around Forrest meeting a Native American woman on a bus, and finding his calling as a bingo caller on a reservation. Sounds harmless, right? But there was a pivotal moment in the story that tied directly to a real-life tragedy.
“Every day, Forrest would wait for his Native American partner, who taught nursery school in a government building in Oklahoma City,” Eric explained. “One day, as he sat on a bench waiting for her, the building behind him exploded. This event was supposed to be the turning point in the story, but when 9/11 happened, it felt insensitive and meaningless to tell that story in the same way.”
What Would Have Been in Forrest Gump 2?
Though the sequel never made it to the big screen, Eric Roth did share some tantalizing details about what could have been. Forrest would have tackled major issues like the AIDS epidemic and segregation, all while crossing paths with iconic figures like Princess Diana and O.J. Simpson. It would have been a continuation of Forrest's journey through history, with his unique perspective and heartwarming charm.
Of course, fans who missed out on the movie sequel were treated to a literary follow-up. Winston Groom, the author of the original novel, penned a sequel titled Gump & Co. in 1995. While it didn't translate to the screen, it gave fans a glimpse into what Forrest's life might have been like after the events of the first film.
Forrest Gump: A Timeless Classic
For those who haven't seen it, Forrest Gump is the story of an Alabama man whose kindness and perseverance take him on a journey through some of the most pivotal moments in American history. Played by the incomparable Tom Hanks, Forrest's life is filled with unforgettable encounters and heartwarming moments. The film went on to win six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Could a Forrest Gump sequel still happen? Who knows? Life, as Forrest famously said, is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. Until then, we can only imagine what adventures Forrest might have had next.
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