Tom Hanks, who is known for his work as an actor, director, and producer, has taken a stand against literary censorship ahead of the release of his new novel.
Speaking to the BBC, Hanks discussed his new book, “The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece,” and touched on the topic of controversial themes being censored by his own book’s publisher.
Hanks’ publisher, Penguin Random House, has removed potentially offensive language from classic books by authors like Roald Dahl and PG Wodehouse. Hanks argues that this action is unnecessary and goes against the idea of artistic freedom.
“I’m of the opinion that we’re all grown-ups here. Let’s have faith in our own sensibilities as opposed to having somebody decide what we may or may not be offended by,” said Hanks.
“Let me decide what I am offended by and what I’m not offended by. I would be against reading any book from any era that says ‘abridged due to modern sensitivities’.”
even tom hanks is sick of hollywood’s shit pic.twitter.com/o8gSk5G1Lu
— Shibetoshi Nakamoto (@BillyM2k) May 10, 2023
In the novel, Hanks describes the making of a superhero action movie, which is loosely based on his experience in Hollywood. The book includes descriptions of actors with challenging personalities, addiction, and sexual harassment. Citing these themes, Hanks has spoken out against politically correct censorship. He believes that adults should be trusted to decide for themselves what they find offensive.
In the book, he refers to actors as “cry-babies, psychological train wrecks, on-the-wagon alcoholics, off-the-wagon addicts… and more than a couple of feuds between the Talent.” While some readers may find these descriptions offensive, Hanks insists that the book accurately reflects the reality of the movie-making industry.
Clocking in at 448 pages, Hanks’ new novel released this week to mixed reviews from critics.
Hanks’ remarks are the latest from a Hollywood celebrity who seems to be disillusioned with the current left wing paradigm that dominates Hollywood.
In just the last few days, actor Scott Baio revealed he is selling his $3.8 million California home and leaving the state due to its homeless crisis, Richard Dreyfuss slammed the new Oscars diversity mandates, remarking that they “make me vomit,” and late night show host Bill Maher nearly snapped at Dr. Phil when the latter refused to declare 45th President Donald Trump worse at the job than Joe Biden.
