Mykelti Williamson’s Iconic Portrayal of Bubba Blue
For those who may not be aware, Mykelti Williamson brought to life the character of Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue in the critically acclaimed movie Forrest Gump. Bubba, who becomes Forrest’s close friend after they meet in the Army, was initially intended to be the senior partner in the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. However, due to his tragic death in Vietnam, their platoon leader, Dan Taylor, steps in to fill the role. The company goes on to bear Bubba’s name posthumously, and Forrest and Dan eventually give Bubba’s mother her son’s share of the business. To achieve Bubba’s distinctive look, Williamson wore a lip attachment throughout filming, creating the character’s signature protruding lip.
Alternate Casting Choices: Ice Cube, Dave Chappelle, and More
What you may not know is that several other actors were considered for the role of Bubba before Williamson was cast. David Alan Grier, Ice Cube, and Dave Chappelle were all offered the role but turned it down. Chappelle said he believed the film would be unsuccessful, and also acknowledged that he regrets not taking the role.
Just imagine if Ice Cube had played Bubba – it’s fascinating to think about how different the character might have been! The stories that emerge from Hollywood’s casting process are always intriguing. It’s also worth noting that Tom Hanks, who played the titular character, was not the first choice for Forrest Gump either. Bill Murray, John Travolta, and Chevy Chase all initially turned down the role. And did you know that Tom Hanks also took virtually no salary to do this movie but instead took a percentage of the gross? He’s said to have made over $100 million on the film.
Dave Chappelle and Tom Hanks: A Later Collaboration
Interestingly, Dave Chappelle eventually had the opportunity to work with Tom Hanks in the 1998 film You’ve Got Mail. It just goes to show that Hollywood has a unique way of bringing people together, even if they missed out on previous opportunities. The world of cinema is full of surprises, and it’s always fascinating to learn about the behind-the-scenes details that shape our favorite movies.
Follow Us
