Tom Hanks appearing in Star Wars seems like a match made in heaven - why didn't this cameo happen?
In his recent interview with Josh Horowitz's podcast, Happy Sad Confused, Tom Hanks revealed that he nearly appeared in the Star Wars franchise. As Hanks is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable actors around, it would make sense for him to be found in such an iconic series, but his appearance never happened.
What Role Was Tom Hanks Going to Play in 'Star Wars'? Tom Hanks would only have appeared in a cameo in Star Wars, and, of course, a cameo is, by nature, a small role. So even had he gotten the chance, his role wouldn't have drastically changed the story. It's not like he nearly played Luke Skywalker or anything that significant. In fact, even by cameo standards, Hanks' would have been small.
As Hanks discussed in the interview, James Bond actor Daniel Craig was in The Force Awakens as the stormtrooper influenced by Rey as she uses the Force. Ben Schwartz, who lent his voice to the droid, BB-8, played a stormtrooper as well. The Force Awakens also featured Kevin Smith hiding in stormtrooper armor. British princes, William and Harry, filmed a scene as stormtroopers for The Force Awakens, though it was cut ultimately from the film.