Tom Hanks says he has not been asked to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Hollywood icon is currently starring in the science fiction film Finch for Apple TV+. He has been one of the industry's biggest stars for decades, headlining films such as Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and the Toy Story series. Hanks recently reminisced over some of the highlights of his illustrious career, choosing A League of Their Own, Cast Away, and Cloud Atlas as some of his favorites.

With the recent release of Eternals, the MCU is firmly in the post-Avengers: Endgame Phase 4. The latest film saw the introduction of the immortal team that has been watching over the universe. Phase 4 has also introduced the ongoing plotline of the multiverse in the Disney+ series Loki, which is expected to kick up a notch in the upcoming Spider-Man: No Way Home. As always, there's a lot of speculation about the future of the MCU and what potential casting choices there may be.

Related: The Breakout Tom Hanks Role That Almost Went To Robert De Niro

One name who may not be appearing in an MCU film is Hanks, who said that the studio hasn't asked him to be in anything. In an interview on the SmartLess Podcast (via The Direct), hosted by actors Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes, Hanks was asked if he would be interested in being in a Marvel project. The film icon gave the surprising response that he has never been offered a part in the mega-franchise, saying that the studio hadn't reached out. Hanks joked that if he were offered a part in the series that it likely wouldn't be as a powerful character, saying:

"Here's the problem... First of all, they've never called me once. Nope, never. And I think that if one of these days they will, they'd say, 'Is there any way you'd consider playing a secretary of defense?' (laughs) Ya know, a guy who comes and says, 'Please, help us Ultraman, we can't survive!' I'd be one of those guys. I don't get to play the punk..."

Split image of Tom Hanks crying in The Green Mile, Hanks in Finch, & Hanks crying in The Terminal.

There are often rumors that A-Listers like Keanu Reeves will join the MCU. And the franchise hasn't shied away from hiring some of the biggest names in Hollywood. A wide array of actors have had roles in various Marvel projects, ranging from established stalwarts like Robert Redford to young up and comers such as Florence Pugh. So it is somewhat surprising that a name as big as Hanks' wouldn't be considered for even a supporting role in the vast Marvel universe.

It is possible that Hanks will eventually make an appearance in a future Marvel movie. Hanks has had a long professional relationship with Disney, which will continue next year with him starring as Geppetto in their live-action Pinocchio remake. The list of actors who haven't appeared in a superhero film grows shorter by the day, and Hanks remains among the biggest names in Hollywood. With how quickly the MCU is expanding, perhaps he could expect a call from Kevin Feige someday soon.

Next: Iron Man: Why Marvel Didn't Want To Cast Robert Downey Jr.

Source: SmartLess Podcast (via The Direct)

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