On May 25, 2026, the ambitious 20-episode documentary series World War II with Tom Hanks premiered on Apple TV+, marking another massive chapter in the actor's lifelong obsession with global conflict. But while Tom Hanks is busy narrating history on a grand scale, his former co-stars are looking back at his more hands-on, physically bruising early roles in the genre.
On Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend, guest Andrew Scott reminisced about his fleeting, blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance in Saving Private Ryan, which was filmed on Curracloe Beach in Ireland. Andrew Scott joked about his unceremonious encounter with Tom Hanks on set, recalling that "Tom Hanks rolled over me, and I'm like, 'No, sir, please help.'" during the chaotic beach shoot.
While Tom Hanks's modern projects treat him as the ultimate prestige curator of wartime history, these lighter behind-the-scenes memories serve as a hilarious reminder of his days in the mud. The contrast between his current status as a solemn narrator and his past as an actor literally crushing his co-stars on a beach highlights the duality of his long career.
As World War II with Tom Hanks continues its multi-week run on Apple TV+, expect more reflection on how Tom Hanks transitioned from a physical performer in the trenches to the authoritative voice of twentieth-century history.