Tom Hanks is one of Hollywood’s most respected and beloved actors. Known for iconic roles in Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away, Hanks has long maintained a reputation as a kind-hearted, universally admired star. However, even someone with such a stellar career is not immune to controversy.
Recently, Tom Hanks has faced backlash over his portrayal of a Trump supporter in Saturday Night Live‘s 50th anniversary episode, involvement in AI-driven filmmaking, and unfounded allegations fueled by conspiracy theories. These controversies have sparked heated debates, questioning the limits of satire, technology’s role in Hollywood, and the responsibilities of public figures.
Let’s take a closer look at the recent controversies involving Tom Hanks and what they reveal about the ever-changing landscape of celebrity culture.
The ‘SNL’ MAGA Sketch Backlash
One of the biggest controversies surrounding Tom Hanks in 2025 came from his return to Saturday Night Live during the show’s 50th anniversary special. Hanks reprised his role as “Doug,” a Trump-supporting character originally introduced in a 2016 Black Jeopardy! sketch.
In this new sketch, Doug, wearing a Make America Great Again (MAGA) hat, makes a joke about shaking hands with the Black game show host (played by Kenan Thompson) and sarcastically suggests creating a “White Jeopardy!” segment.
The reaction was swift and divided:
- Conservative critics saw the sketch as a cheap shot at Trump supporters, reinforcing negative stereotypes. Former SNL cast member Victoria Jackson called it “stupid,” questioning why similar jokes weren’t made about supporters of Democratic politicians. Megyn Kelly also criticized Hanks, arguing that he mocked the very audience that once adored him.
- Liberal audiences and media personalities defended the sketch as classic SNL political satire, with The View’s Joy Behar saying the criticism was overblown.
While SNL has a long history of political humor, this particular sketch reignited debates about whether the show’s satire leans too far in one direction.
Unfounded Allegations & Conspiracy Theories
Another controversy emerged when Tom Hanks became the target of false accusations. In February 2025, Jeannette Garcia, an Arizona city council member, publicly accused Hanks of pedophilia—a claim with no basis in fact.
These allegations stem from longstanding conspiracy theories linked to the QAnon movement, which falsely accuses Hollywood elites of being involved in child trafficking. While there is no evidence supporting these claims, the controversy escalated when billionaire Elon Musk amplified the accusation on X (formerly Twitter), where he has 218 million followers.
Despite widespread debunking of the allegations, the situation raised important questions:
- The role of public figures in spreading misinformation – Musk’s repost significantly increased the reach of a baseless claim.
- The impact of conspiracy theories on celebrities – Hanks, known for being private, has largely avoided addressing such rumors directly, but their persistence shows how online misinformation can affect even the most respected figures.
This controversy highlights the dangers of unverified claims in the digital age and the responsibilities of high-profile individuals in shaping public discourse.
AI and Hollywood: The ‘Here’ Movie Debate
In addition to political backlash and conspiracy-fueled rumors, Tom Hanks has also been drawn into a debate over artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. His upcoming movie Here, directed by Robert Zemeckis, has sparked concerns due to its heavy use of AI technology.
The film digitally “de-ages” actors, allowing them to appear as younger versions of themselves without traditional makeup or CGI. While this technology offers new possibilities in storytelling, it also raises ethical questions about the future of acting and film production.
Actress Lisa Kudrow criticized Here, calling it an “endorsement of A.I.,” and questioning what this means for human actors in the industry. Others worry that AI-driven filmmaking could replace jobs, from actors to visual effects artists.
Hanks, while acknowledging the controversy, has defended the technology, stating that AI offers efficiency and creative opportunities. However, he also recognizes that the industry needs regulations to ensure AI’s ethical use in filmmaking.
This debate over AI in Hollywood is far from over, and as technology advances, it’s likely to become an even bigger issue in the years ahead.
Past Controversies: ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and ‘Sully’
While these recent incidents have put Tom Hanks in the spotlight, it’s not the first time he has faced public criticism. Two of his previous films, The Da Vinci Code and Sully, sparked controversy as well.
1. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Hanks played Robert Langdon in the film adaptation of Dan Brown’s bestselling novel. While the movie was a commercial success, it faced protests from religious groups, particularly the Catholic Church. Critics argued that the film misrepresented religious history and portrayed the church in a negative light.
2. Sully (2016)
In Sully, Hanks portrayed Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who safely landed a plane on the Hudson River in 2009. The film, however, was criticized by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for allegedly depicting investigators as overly aggressive toward Sully. Some NTSB officials argued that the real investigation was far less confrontational than what was shown in the film.
While neither of these controversies significantly affected Hanks’ career, they show that even a widely admired actor is not free from scrutiny.
Tom Hanks’ Response to Controversy
Unlike some celebrities who actively address controversy on social media, Hanks tends to remain private. He rarely engages in public debates and often lets his work speak for itself.
However, in response to the AI controversy, he has acknowledged the industry’s concerns, stating that while AI has benefits, its use should be carefully regulated. As for the SNL backlash, he has not publicly commented, maintaining his usual low-profile approach to criticism.
Hanks’ ability to maintain his reputation despite these controversies speaks to his long-standing public goodwill. However, in an era where every public figure faces intense scrutiny, even someone as respected as Tom Hanks isn’t immune to criticism.
Conclusion: What These Controversies Say About Hollywood Today
The recent controversies surrounding Tom Hanks highlight several key themes in modern entertainment and public discourse:
- The power of political satire – Hanks’ SNL sketch reignited discussions about how satire is perceived in a politically divided climate.
- The dangers of misinformation – Unfounded conspiracy theories, amplified by high-profile figures, can have real-world consequences.
- The rise of AI in film – As technology advances, Hollywood faces major decisions about how AI will shape the industry.
Despite these controversies, Tom Hanks remains one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. His career, built on talent and authenticity, is unlikely to be significantly affected by these debates. However, his recent experiences serve as a reminder that no public figure, no matter how beloved, is above controversy.
As Hollywood continues to evolve, Hanks’ journey will be one to watch—both on-screen and in the court of public opinion.
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