The 2024 action-comedy Freaky Tales brings together a diverse group of characters over the course of one extraordinary night in Oakland, California, in 1987. Among the talented ensemble including Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, and Dominique Thorne, a surprise cameo by Tom Hanks delivers a memorable moment that highlights the film’s themes and enhances its nostalgic setting.
Tom Hanks Makes a Memorable Cameo as a Video Store Clerk
About halfway through the movie, during the Born To Mack segment, Pedro Pascal’s character Clint enters a video store where Hanks plays the clerk. Hanks’ character is intently watching a basketball game that becomes important later in the story. This leads to a conversation about underdogs, where Hanks shares his top five favorite underdog movies while wearing thick glasses and a shirt referencing a local Oakland donut shop.
Hanks begins with the iconic boxing film Rocky, stating,
“it’s best just to get it out of the way.”
He continues listing Hoosiers, The Dirty Dozen, and The Verdict. When he learns Clint is actually there to gain entry to a private poker game, he hints at his number one film—a 1979 movie Roger Ebert called “a cinematic miracle,” known to movie enthusiasts as Breaking Away. Clint, focused on his goal, confesses he has not seen most of the films in the list, which frustrates the clerk and adds a humorous yet reflective pause that fits the movie’s tone.
Iconic 1980s Vibe Fueled by Hanks’ Role
Tom Hanks’ involvement may seem unexpected for an independent anthology, but his ties to the film’s location and creators explain the choice. Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who collaborated with Hanks on the TV series Masters of the Air, wrote the cameo part with his Oakland roots in mind. Hanks has openly expressed his fondness for the Oakland Athletics, adding authenticity since the film is set there, and he is even featured on a mural alongside rapper Too $hort, who both stars in and serves as executive producer of Freaky Tales.
The cameo resonates strongly as a tribute to the decade that launched Hanks’ rise to fame. Although he became widely known for serious 1990s roles in movies like Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan, the 1980s established him as a leading figure through comedies such as Big, The ‘Burbs, and Splash. These films share the offbeat and imaginative spirit that inspires Freaky Tales, blending realism with fantasy to create a compelling story.
Hanks’ Monologue Echoes the Film’s Underdog Theme
The video store scene goes beyond nostalgia, serving as a rallying moment for characters facing tough challenges. Clint is attempting to escape a life of organized crime; meanwhile, others like Dominique Thorne’s Barbie and Normani’s Entice are determined to succeed as rappers, while Ji-young Yoo’s Tina and Jack Champion’s Lucid fight against skinhead attacks. Hanks’ character captures this struggle perfectly:
“That’s why we love the underdogs, it’s a projection of ourselves. We’re all just a bunch of losers. We cannot kill Darth Vader, we cannot win a rumble against The Soc’s, and we definitely cannot beat L.A. And yet, the underdog believes they can achieve the impossible.” — Tom Hanks, Actor
His speech resonates as a message of hope and resilience, reflecting the film’s urgent and determined tone. The characters’ relentless pursuit of victory mirrors the universal appeal of rooting for the underdog, emphasizing that believing in the improbable can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Significance of Hanks’ Surprise Appearance in the Film
Throughout Hollywood history, Tom Hanks has embodied roles symbolizing hope and authority, portraying figures such as Santa Claus, Mister Rogers, and Walt Disney. His cameo in a gritty, indie project like Freaky Tales contrasts with his usual authoritative personas by delivering this uplifting message with a nuanced, slightly bittersweet edge. The neon-lit video store setting adds to the film’s affectionate homage to the 80s and Oakland’s culture.
Hanks’ unexpected yet warmly received scene stands out as a highlight, cementing a connection between the film’s nostalgic celebration of the past and its themes of overcoming adversity. The movie’s various stories of underdogs succeeding seem almost inspired by this moment, giving audiences a sense of urgency and hope.
Freaky Tales is currently available for streaming on HBO Max across the United States.
