Big tells the story of Josh Baskin, a young boy who makes a wish to be "big" and is then aged up overnight. Navigating his new life as an adult, he finds a job and even a potential romantic prospect, all while trying to figure out a way to return to his former self.
Big premiered in 1988 to critical and commercial success and the film proved instrumental in establishing Tom Hanks' career as a leading man. To this day, even after playing numerous iconic characters, Hanks is still closely related to the role of Josh Baskin. It's hard to imagine a version of Big without Hanks, but not impossible. And while the film wouldn't be as groundbreaking today as it was back in 1988, there are always ways to make the story fresh for modern audiences. A remake of the film set in London could make for a mostly British cast and a whole new story.
Roman Griffin Davis As Young Josh Baskin
Roman Griffin Davis jumped to fame with the title role in Taika Waititi's Oscar-winning film, Jojo Rabbit. His performance received critical acclaim and earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Currently, the young actor only has one film in post-production, a Christmas comedy co-starring Keira Knightley and directed by his mother.
Griffin Davis would be a stellar choice to portray Josh's young version. Despite having little screentime, the character still gets some of the most pivotal moments in the film and Griffin Davis would knock them out of the park.
Isla Johnston As Billie Francine Kopecki
The Queen's Gambit served as the perfect showcase for Anya Taylor-Joy, but the supporting cast also shone. Particularly impressive was Isla Johnston as young Beth. The 14-year-old actress dominated the screen, painting an acute and emotional portrayal of addiction.
In the original Big, the character of Billy is Josh's best friend. He's the one person who knows about Josh's transformation and helps track the Zoltar machine. In the 2021 version, the character could easily be female and Johnston would be the only American in the cast.
Jason Isaacs As Mr. Baskin
One of the main problems with the original Big is the lack of focus Josh's family gets. When Josh finally returns home, his relieved mother celebrates that he's back, but audiences never actually see her concern.
The remake should give at least a couple of scenes to Mr. and Mrs. Baskin. It would be nice to see them looking for their son, who goes missing for almost two months. Although famous for his villainous roles, Jason Isaacs is also a terrific dramatic actor, and he would be utterly convincing as Josh's concerned father.
Emily Watson As Mrs. Baskin
Similar to Isaacs, Watson would be stellar in the film. She'd provide just enough gravitas to the role of Josh's mother without making it overly dramatic. Watson, a two-time Oscar nominee who most recently starred in HBO's Chernobyl, remains one of Britain's finest actresses, and it's a sin that she remains so underrated.
Mrs. Baskin, played by Oscar winner Mercedes Ruehl, gets few scenes. Most memorably, she shares a hilarious exchange with adult Josh, where he tries to tell her what happened and she believes he's a stranger who kidnapped her son.
Orlando Bloom As Paul Davenport
For all terms and purposes, Paul Davenport is the film's antagonist. He never really does anything villainous per see, but he serves as a foil for Josh at the MacMillan Toy Company. Davenport is also Susan's jealous, controlling, and ruthless ex-boyfriend.
Orlando Bloom would be the perfect choice to play this jerk of a character. Although famous for his heroic roles in the Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean series, Bloom is charming and versatile enough to play a villain and get away with it.
Brian Cox As Mr. McMillan
Currently, Brian Cox is giving one of television's most acclaimed and complex performances in HBO's Succession. For his role, Cox won the Golden Globe and received an Emmy nomination. He previously won the Emmy for his supporting role in the miniseries Nuremberg.
McMillan is key to the film's success. He stars with Josh in the Walking Piano scene, a moment that became synonymous with the film and '80s cinema as a whole. A consummate and accomplished actor like Cox would be the ideal choice for the role.
Tessa Thompson As Susan Lawrence
After rising to fame with 2015's Creed, Tessa Thompson became a bonafide A-lister with 2018's Thor: Ragnarok. The actress, who has an undeniable comedic talent, will return to the role of Valkyrie in 2022's Thor: Love and Thunder, hinting at a promising future within the MCU.
Thompson would be ideal as the film's romantic lead. Susan spends most of her time with Josh, but she's still a fully realized, three-dimensional character. Her romance with Josh may end in separation, but their love story is still vital for the film's success.
Andrew Garfield As Adult Josh Baskin
The main reason for Big's success is Tom Hanks' devastatingly charismatic performance. As Josh Baskin, Hanks is fun, endearing, and mesmerizing. The actor gives such a committed and energetic performance that it's impossible not to become enchanted by the whole thing.
Andrew Garfield, who gave memorable performances in films like The Social Network and Hacksaw Ridge, has the necessary range to re-introduce Josh to modern-day audiences. He can be charming, as proved by his turn as Peter Parker in the doomed Amazing Spider-Man films. He's also a powerful dramatic actor, capable of leading a raw and emotional Scorsese epic like Silence. Garfield is one of the best and most versatile actors of his generation, and Big would only cement his place as a leading man.