Despite embracing his 60s and being open to digital de-aging, Tom Hanks recently captivated the internet with two contrasting photos, leaving netizens puzzled over which look suited him best.
Tom Hanks recently sparked a lively discussion on social media after an AmoMama Facebook post featured side-by-side photos of the actor. In one photo, Tom is seen sporting his signature clean-shaven look, while in the other, he dons a graying mustache, significantly altering his appearance.
Our readers quickly reacted to the actor’s contrasting looks with varied opinions. One reader commented, “Like without better…probably because that’s the look I’m used to…the other is a little freaky.” Another suggested, “Ditch the mustache. Clean Shaven is much nicer. But I guess it really is up to him.”
Tom Hanks at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ 14th Annual Governors Awards in Hollywood, California, on January 9, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Some expressed concerns about the mustache making him appear older. “He looks much older and he lost weight too which adds to the older look,” one noted. Someone else simply stated, “Shave it off.”
Tom Hanks spoke at a benefit event for Women’s Cancer Research Fund in Beverly Hills, California, on April 10, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
There were also comments about the mustache’s impact on his overall demeanor, with one stating, “Makes him look at least 10 years older as it does all men, I do not understand they’re thinking? Even makes them look like a villain.”
Tom Hanks at a benefit event for Women’s Cancer Research Fund in Beverly Hills, California, on April 10, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Another reader added, “Keep shaving bit it could just be dbecause he looks different[sic].” Despite the readers’ mixed reactions, Tom has never shied away from embracing his age.
Tom Hanks attends the special screening of “A Man Called Otto” in New York City on January 9, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
In his role as Otto in the film “A Man Called Otto,” the acclaimed actor openly discussed how he feels about portraying characters that reflect his true age. “I think it’s liberating, to tell you the truth,” said Tom.
Tom Hanks in “A Man Called Otto,” 2022 | Source: YouTube
He added, “Look I’m 66, and in the past, I’ve often played somebody much younger than I should have been. In this film, the audience finds out all that Otto has been through, and you have to show that.”
Tom Hanks in “A Man Called Otto,” 2022 | Source: YouTube
He continued, “But look, you can get older and you can feel embittered because you feel you’ve been cheated out of something, or you can feel lucky that you have learned all the things not to do, what not to worry about, and I mean, do we dare call that wisdom?”
Tom Hanks in “A Man Called Otto,” 2022 | Source: YouTube
While he has embraced the idea of aging, he is also open to the concept of being “de-aged.” According to People, in January 2023, Tom will digitally become younger alongside actress Robin Wright under the direction of Robert Zemeckis for the film “Here.”
Set for a 2024 release, the film will use advanced AI technology developed by Metaphysic. This AI company is known for its TikTok account featuring a fake Tom Cruise, which has five million followers, and for its deepfake technology showcased on “America’s Got Talent.”
Robert stated that he is drawn to the technology that aids storytelling. For “Here,” the film requires actors to transform seamlessly into younger versions of themselves. “Metaphysic’s AI tools do exactly that, in ways that were previously impossible!” he said.
Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks at the “Pinocchio” world premiere in Burbank, California on September 7, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
The director praised Metaphysic as the global leaders in feature-quality AI content, noting that after testing all available face replacement and de-aging technologies, they were the perfect choice for this challenging, emotional film.
Robert Zemeckis engages in a discussion at Build Studio, New York City on December 19, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
The announcement of the film’s AI features came after Tom attended the “Masters of Air” premiere with his wife, Rita Wilson. The longtime couple made a rare appearance with their two grown-up sons, Chet and Truman, who looked handsome in elegant outfits.
Tom and Rita opted for all-black attire, with the actress in a sequined skirt, matching top, and leather jacket, and her husband in a classic suit.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson at the world premiere of “Masters of the Air” in Los Angeles, California, on January 10, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Chet wore a green velvet suit jacket and sported a close-shaven haircut. On the other hand, Truman rocked black from head to to — from his curly hair to his blazer paired and pants.
Chet Hanks, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and Truman Hanks at the “Masters of Air” LA premiere in January 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans who saw the photos talked about what a “nice-looking family” they were. Other people thought they looked “great.” Many fans said they were looking at Chet’s good looks as others said Truman resembled his dad in “Big.”
One fan thought Rita and Tom each had a replica of themselves in their children. Still, as some debated about who looked more like who, some fans expressed that they didn’t know Truman existed until the photo came out.
Chet Hanks, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and Truman Hanks at the Los Angeles premiere of the “Masters of the Air” on January 10, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Rita expressed her delight at having their sons join them for the premiere. “It’s really fun! It’s great!” she said. The family shared fond memories of the movies they had seen at the event’s theater and other cherished moments in Los Angeles, their hometown.
Rita Wilson at the Los Angeles premiere of the “Masters of the Air” on January 10, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
While Chet and Truman, along with their dad’s stunning style, stood out at the premiere, another public appearance by their mom also caught fans’ attention. On Instagram, Rita Wilson dazzled in a stunning royal blue dress amidst a picturesque flower field, perfectly complemented by her jewelry and a delicate lily in her hair.
Fans flooded the comments section with admiration and appreciation for Rita’s elegance and warmth.“Wow. You are more beautiful than flowers,” gushed one fan, while another remarked, “The flower is very pretty, but you’re even more so, Rita.”
Among the sea of compliments, one admirer simply wrote, “Gorgeous!” and another expressed gratitude, saying, “Yay! Thanks! By the way, that picture of you? Beautiful!!!”