Actor Tom Hanks appeared in a music video for his son Chet Hanks' song “You Better Run” and performed at the Stagecoach Music Festival [1].

The collaboration marks a rare public intersection of the actor's most famous cinematic role and his son's musical career. By blending nostalgia with modern promotion, the project draws attention to Chet Hanks' band, Something Out West, and the new season of the series Running Point [2].

The music video features Tom Hanks reenacting scenes from the film Forrest Gump [1]. These sequences were filmed in a trailer-park setting to mirror the aesthetic of the original movie [4]. The project serves as an homage to the film, while integrating the father-son dynamic into the promotional campaign [2].

During the Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, California, the duo appeared together on April 25 [1, 3]. Tom Hanks, 69, was seen cheering and singing along as Chet performed the track live [1, 3]. While some reports date the festival appearance to 2024, other sources place the event in 2026 [1, 3].

Beyond the live festival appearance, the music video and the collaboration were highlighted on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon [4]. The video uses the legacy of the Forrest Gump character to create a viral moment for the song, utilizing the actor's global recognition to amplify the reach of his son's musical project [2].

Tom Hanks reenacting scenes from the film

This collaboration leverages one of the most recognizable characters in cinema history to provide a marketing boost for Chet Hanks' independent music and television ventures. By involving Tom Hanks in a self-referential parody of his own work, the project transforms a standard music release into a cross-generational cultural event that appeals to both longtime film fans and new audiences.