20 Things You Didn't Know About Forrest Gump

By Jack Pooley / September 16, 2021

3. Joe Pesci Was Considered For Lt. Dan

Gary Sinise did an incredible, Oscar-nominated job playing Lt. Dan in the movie, but he only won the part after the studio considered a far more famous face.

That's right - Joe Pesci was initially in contention to play the surly war vet, but for reasons unknown, they ultimately decided upon Sinise instead. No word on whether a formal offer was ever actually made to Pesci, though.

Pesci clearly could've knocked the role out of the park on paper, though it's also hard to argue with how perfect a fit Sinise ultimately was for the role.