20 Things You Didn't Know About Forrest Gump

19. John Travolta, Bill Murray & Chevy Chase All Turned Down The Role Of Forrest

Though it's impossible to imagine anyone but Tom Hanks playing the role of Forrest, he was far from Paramount's first choice, with the studio seeking out numerous other high-profile actors to play the part.

First and foremost, John Travolta was offered the role and turned it down, a move he later came to regret, even if he ended up starring in Pulp Fiction instead and effectively revitalised his career regardless (complete with a Best Actor Oscar nomination).

Clearly, the film would've been very different with Travolta in the lead, and it's tough to imagine for the better.

Similarly, Bill Murray admitted a few years ago that he turned down the role, and as brilliant as he is, it's near-impossible to consider him bringing the earnest sincerity to the part that Hanks did.

Finally, Chevy Chase was also offered Forrest Gump, and we probably don't need to explain every single way in which Chase would've been so, so wrong for the role.