Chet Hanks has taken a nostalgic dive into his father’s cinematic legacy with his latest music video, You Better Run.
The song, performed by his country-rock duo Something Out West, features a playful recreation of iconic scenes from Tom Hanks’ Oscar-winning film Forrest Gump.
CHET AND TOM HANKS
Even more exciting, Tom Hanks himself makes a heartwarming cameo in the video, according to CNN.
The music video opens with a whimsical nod to Forrest Gump, as a feather drifts through the air before landing near Chet, who is dressed as the titular character.
Sitting on a park bench in Forrest’s signature grey suit and blue gingham shirt, Chet delivers a modern twist on the beloved role.
In one standout moment, Tom Hanks joins him on the bench, appearing slightly bemused as he shares the screen with his son.
FORREST GUMP AND CHET HANKS
The elder Hanks’ presence adds an emotional touch to the project, showcasing the duo’s bond, according to People.
The video is packed with references to the 1994 classic.
From a shrimping boat named ‘Jenny’ to Chet Hanks running in Forrest’s iconic Nike Cortez sneakers, fans are treated to a wave of nostalgia.
The recreation even includes Forrest’s legendary cross-country run. Chet dons a red jacket and sporting a bushy beard reminiscent of his father’s portrayal.
Chet’s musical partner, Drew Arthur, also features prominently in the video.
Together, they perform on the deck of Jenny, blending heartfelt lyrics with an upbeat country-rock sound.
NOSTALGIC HITS
The song’s chorus carries an urgent message. “You better run / Like the devil’s on your tail.” It’s both a nod to Forrest Gump and a metaphor for life’s challenges.
Reflecting on his creative journey, Chet Hanks shared his excitement about the project.
“Ultimately, I consider myself an artist,” he told Esquire. “Acting and music are just two different mediums for expressing myself.”
He also spoke about his gratitude for working alongside his father. “Having my dad be part of this was surreal. It felt like everything came full circle.”
SOMETHING OUT WEST
The duo Something Out West was born out of Chet and Drew’s shared journey toward sobriety, according to TMZ.
After meeting in California and bonding over late-night jam sessions, they moved to Nashville to hone their sound.
Now signed to Big Machine Records, they are gearing up for their debut album release later this year. While many fans celebrated the video as a heartfelt tribute, reactions online have been mixed.
Some praised its creativity and emotional resonance, while others criticised it as “cringe-worthy” or overly reliant on Tom Hanks’ fame.
TOM HANKS LEGACY
One social media user quipped, “Chet never ceases to surprise us—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.” Despite the polarised opinions, there’s no denying that You Better Run has captured attention worldwide.
For South African fans of both Tom Hanks and country music, this collaboration offers an entertaining blend of nostalgia and fresh talent.
Whether you love it or find it cheesy, one thing is clear: the Hanks family knows how to keep audiences talking.
Chet Hanks marks another milestone in his evolving career, carving out his own path with bold, nostalgic steps.
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF CHET HANKS’ FORREST GUMP TRIBUTE? WAS IT A CLEVER NOSTALGIC MOVE OR OVERLY RELIANT ON HIS FATHER’S LEGACY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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