Tom Hanks and his contributions to the world of animation: from “Toy Story” to “Polar Express”
Tom Hanks is a well-known actor, producer, and director who has made significant contributions to the world of animation. From his role as the voice of Woody in the “Toy Story” franchise to his work on “The Polar Express,” Hanks has left a lasting impression on the animation industry.
We will take a closer look at Tom Hanks and his contributions to the world of animation. We will examine his career in animation, his work on some of the most iconic animated films of our time, and the impact he has had on the animation industry.
Tom Hanks and his Early Career
Tom Hanks began his career in entertainment in the late 1970s, working on various television shows and movies. However, it wasn’t until the early 1990s that he first became involved in animation.
In 1995, Hanks was cast as the voice of Woody in the first “Toy Story” film. This role would prove to be a turning point in his career, as it marked the beginning of his involvement in animation.
Hanks’ Role in “Toy Story”
“Toy Story” was a groundbreaking film that changed the animation industry forever. The film was the first feature-length computer-animated movie and was a huge success, grossing over $373 million worldwide.
Hanks played the role of Woody, the leader of a group of toys who come to life when humans are not around. Woody was a complex character with a lot of depth, and Hanks brought him to life with his performance.
Hanks’ portrayal of Woody was one of the reasons why the film was so successful. He captured the character’s humor, charm, and vulnerability, making him a beloved character among audiences of all ages.
Hanks’ Role in “Toy Story 2” and “Toy Story 3”
After the success of the first “Toy Story” film, Hanks returned to voice Woody in “Toy Story 2” and “Toy Story 3.” In both films, Hanks once again brought his unique charm and wit to the character, making Woody a fan favorite.
In “Toy Story 2,” Woody was faced with the possibility of being sold to a museum in Japan. Hanks’ performance captured the character’s fear and uncertainty, making the audience empathize with him.
In “Toy Story 3,” Woody and his friends are faced with the realization that their owner, Andy, has grown up and is leaving for college. Hanks’ portrayal of Woody’s sadness and acceptance of this fact was one of the highlights of the film.
Hanks’ Role in “The Polar Express”
In 2004, Hanks took on a new role in the animation industry when he starred in “The Polar Express.” The film was a mix of live-action and computer animation and was directed by Robert Zemeckis.
Hanks played several roles in the film, including the conductor of the train, the narrator, and Santa Claus. His performances were praised by critics and audiences alike, and the film was a huge success.
Hanks’ contribution to “The Polar Express” was not limited to his acting, however. He was also a producer on the film, working closely with Zemeckis to bring the story to life.
Hanks’ Role in “Cars”
In 2006, Hanks was once again involved in the animation industry when he voiced the character of Woody Car in the hit film “Cars.” The film was produced by Pixar Animation Studios, the same studio that produced the “Toy Story” franchise.
Hanks’ performance in “Cars” was another example of his talent as a voice actor. He brought a sense of humor and warmth to the character, making him a memorable part of the film.
Tom Hanks’ contributions to the animation industry go beyond his performances as a voice actor. He has also been involved in producing and promoting animated films, which has helped to raise the profile of the animation industry as a whole.
Hanks was one of the producers of the animated film “The Ant Bully” in 2006. He also executive produced the TV series “Electric City” in 2012, which was an ambitious project that combined animation and live-action.
Hanks has been a vocal advocate for the arts and has worked to promote the importance of creativity and imagination. In 2013, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Obama for his contributions to American culture through his acting, directing, and producing.
Hanks’ dedication to the arts and his support of the animation industry has helped to raise the profile of animation and has inspired a new generation of artists and filmmakers.
Looking ahead, Tom Hanks’ involvement in animation continues to be a source of excitement for fans of the genre. In 2022, Hanks is set to reprise his role as Woody in the upcoming film “Lightyear.” The film is a spin-off of the “Toy Story” franchise and follows the character Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Chris Evans.
Hanks’ return as Woody has generated a lot of buzz among fans, who are eager to see the beloved character once again. Hanks has expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that he is excited to see where the new story takes the character of Woody.
