25 Things You Didn't Know About The Shawshank Redemption

18. Tom Hanks Almost Played Andy Dufresne

It goes without saying that the role of protagonist Andy Dufresne was majorly sought after in Hollywood, with the likes of Jeff Bridges, Kevin Costner, Tom Cruise, Matthew Broderick, Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp all either being offered or lobbying for the part before it eventually went to Tim Robbins.

But the actor who likely would've played the part had it not been for scheduling conflicts was Tom Hanks, who ultimately had to turn it down due to being committed to Forrest Gump.

It's easy to imagine how Hanks would've knocked the role out of the park, but given that he instead went on to win his second Best Actor Oscar and score one of the biggest box office hits of his career, he surely can't be too fussed about his decision.