Tom Hanks secured his breakthrough film role as Allen Bauer in the 1984 romantic comedy Splash despite Disney initially resisting Ron Howard’s proposal to cast him. The success of the film helped move Hanks beyond television sitcom work and began the rise that led to his status as a major Hollywood actor.

At the time, Hanks was best known for Bosom Buddies and had only appeared in one previous film. Michael Keaton, Bill Murray, John Travolta and Chevy Chase were among the better-known actors considered, but Hanks impressed at audition; Splash became a critical and commercial success, while Big brought him his first Oscar nomination four years later.