Does Tom Hanks Get Royalties From Bubba Gump Shrimp? The Fascinating Story Behind Forrest Gump’s Famous Fictional Restaurant

Forrest Gump is one of the most beloved films of all time. Tom Hanks’ portrayal of the kindhearted simpleton Forrest won him an Oscar and left a lasting imprint on pop culture. But many fans don’t know the fascinating story behind Bubba Gump Shrimp, Forrest’s fictional shrimping business that inspired a real restaurant chain So does Tom Hanks get royalties from Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurants? Let’s take a look

The Origins of Bubba Gump Shrimp in Forrest Gump

In the film Forrest names his shrimping fleet after his best friend Bubba, who dreamed of going into the shrimping business but tragically died in Vietnam. Forrest fulfills Bubba’s dream, buying a shrimping boat and becoming extremely successful after a storm wipes out all the other shrimping fleets.

Bubba Gump Shrimp becomes a household name, emblazoned on hats, shirts, and other merchandise throughout the film. The scene where Forrest shows off his Bubba Gump Shrimp Company haul while meeting President Johnson is truly iconic.

So while Bubba Gump Shrimp is a fictional company in Forrest Gump, it left such an impression that it spawned a real restaurant chain

The Real Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurants

After the immense success of Forrest Gump in 1994, Paramount Pictures licensed the name to create a Forrest Gump-themed seafood restaurant. The first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. opened in 1996 in Monterey, California.

The restaurant chain went on to expand rapidly across the United States and internationally. Today, there are over 40 Bubba Gump locations worldwide, serving up classic American fare like shrimp, seafood, burgers, and more.

The restaurants are filled with references to Forrest Gump, from movie memorabilia lining the walls to Forrest’s quotes printed on the menus. Servers often refer to customers as “Gump” and movie trivia games keep the Forrest Gump spirit alive.

Does Tom Hanks Get Royalties?

Tom Hanks starred in and produced the Oscar-winning Forrest Gump, which went on to become one of the highest grossing films ever at the time. But despite the major role he played in bringing the fictional Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. to life, Tom Hanks does not receive any royalties from the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant chain.

Forrest Gump was produced by Paramount Pictures, which holds the rights to the Bubba Gump Shrimp name and brand. When Paramount licensed the concept to Viacom to launch the restaurant chain, they negotiated the deal – not Tom Hanks.

However, Hanks still benefited financially in other ways:

• Hanks took a risk by agreeing to a percentage of the box office gross instead of a large upfront salary. This paid off handsomely, earning him a record-breaking $60 million for the role.

• The massive success of Forrest Gump bolstered Hanks’ star power and earning potential in all his future films.

• Owning a piece of the Forrest Gump production company, Hanks sees revenue from the extensive home video and streaming releases over the decades.

So while the restaurant rights went to the studio, Forrest Gump still proved incredibly lucrative for Hanks as an actor and producer. He may not get Bubba Gump restaurant royalties, but his career and fortune skyrocketed thanks to Gump.

Why Bubba Gump Shrimp Works as a Restaurant Concept

At first, a restaurant based on a fictional shrimp company might sound like an odd idea. But Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. works so well because:

• Forrest Gump was insanely popular, earning over $677 million at the box office. People love nostalgic references to their favorite characters and stories.

• The name Bubba Gump Shrimp is fun, approachable, and lends itself perfectly to a seafood restaurant.

• The movie showcased mouthwatering shrimp dishes, from Bubba’s classic shrimp creole to Forrest’s beheaded shrimp cocktail. The restaurant brings those recipes to life.

• Forrest’s sweet Southern charm translates seamlessly to the restaurant’s friendly, laidback vibe.

• Movie fans appreciate all the Forrest Gump-inspired decor and activities that make dining at Bubba Gump’s like stepping into the film.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. does a stellar job channeling the spirit of everyone’s favorite Alabama shrimpin’ man. It’s a joyful, family-friendly dining experience.

How Bubba Gump Shrimp Honors Forrest Gump

Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurants may not financially benefit Tom Hanks, but they do an amazing job celebrating his beloved character Forrest Gump. Some key ways the restaurants honor Forrest include:

• Displaying Props and Memorabilia – Items like Forrest’s army gear, Bubba’s iconic hat, and the shrimping boat wheel displayed in restaurants immerse fans in Forrest nostalgia.

• Bubba’s Shrimp Creole Recipe – Bubba Gump’s serves up the dream shrimp dish Bubba describes so lovingly in the film.

• Forrest & Bubba Statues – Intricately detailed statues recreate the scene of Forrest and Bubba on the shrimping boat.

• Ping Pong Tables – Fans can try their hand at ping pong like Forrest in his Army days.

• Run Forrest Run! – Servers often encourage diners to “Run Forrest Run” when bringing out food, recreating an iconic line.

• Menu Quotes – The menu incorporates unforgettable quotes from Forrest like “My momma always said life is like a box of chocolates.”

• Trivia – Forrest Gump trivia games get customers involved and engaged with fun facts.

• Charitable Partnerships – Bubba Gump partners with charities supporting the military, children, and the environment, causes Forrest would surely approve of.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. may simply seem like a themed chain restaurant, but little details show true love for the Forrest Gump story. The restaurants wholeheartedly embrace Forrest’s good-hearted spirit.

Tom Hanks’ Continued Success

Although Tom Hanks didn’t acquire the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant rights, he’s continued to thrive as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed and bankable stars. Some career highlights in the decades since Forrest Gump include:

• Toy Story – Voicing the beloved Sheriff Woody in Pixar’s hit animated franchise

• Saving Private Ryan – Oscar-nominated role depicting a WWII captain

• Cast Away – Carrying a film almost solo and earning $429 million worldwide

• The Da Vinci Code – Leading the massive blockbuster adaptation of Dan Brown’s novel

• Captain Phillips – Nominated for Golden Globe, SAG, and Oscar for the true story thriller

• A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood – Oscar-nominated for portraying Mister Rogers in 2019

Now well into his 60s, Hanks remains as busy as ever, balancing meaty dramatic roles with lighthearted fare like Elvis. His incredible career is proof that while Forrest Gump opened doors, talent and smart choices kept him Hollywood royalty.

Forrest Gump’s impact endures through Hanks’ monumental performance and the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurants it inspired. Though the restaurant rights went to the studio, Hanks has remained grateful for the experience and opportunities it brought him. Forrest and Bubba live on in the hearts of fans, and on the plates of seafood lovers nationwide.