Tom Hanks recently revealed that he turned down an offer from billionaire Jeff Bezos to fly into space, citing the staggering $28 million price for the ticket. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on November 2, Hanks shared details about the invitation from Bezos, who is the founder of Blue Origin, a company offering space tourism services.
Hanks humorously explained, “It costs around $28 million. My life is good, but I’m not paying that kind of money. You know, we can simulate the space experience right here on Earth. I don’t need to spend $28 million for that.” The actor then entertained the audience by shaking his chair, mimicking the sensation of being inside a spacecraft during launch, underscoring how unnecessary the high price seemed to him.
Jeff Bezos has been promoting space tourism through Blue Origin and made headlines with his company’s successful missions to the edge of space. In October, Bezos invited William Shatner, the 90-year-old actor best known for playing Captain Kirk in Star Trek, to join a space flight free of charge. Shatner’s journey made him the oldest person to travel to space, a milestone celebrated by many, including Bezos, a well-known fan of science fiction. In fact, Bezos even had a cameo in the 2016 film Star Trek Beyond.
Shatner’s flight, which included three other passengers, was brief but historic. Two of the passengers on the trip paid a significant sum to join. In a June auction, one participant bid $28 million for the opportunity to fly. The entire trip lasted approximately 10 minutes, with about three minutes spent enjoying the spectacular view of space before returning safely to Earth.
Meanwhile, Tom Hanks is actively promoting his latest science fiction film, Finch, directed by Miguel Sapochnik. In the movie, Hanks plays Finch Weinberg, the last human survivor on Earth following a catastrophic event. Accompanied by a dog, his character builds a robot to provide companionship and help him navigate the post-apocalyptic world. The film delves into themes of survival, human connection, and the bond between humans and technology.
While Hanks may have passed on the opportunity to venture into space with Bezos, his work in science fiction continues to captivate audiences, from his roles in iconic films to his latest project, Finch.
This decision reflects Hanks’ practical nature and his ability to balance his sense of humor with thoughtful career choices, all while continuing to make an impact in both Hollywood and beyond.
