Does Tom Hanks Still Get Royalties From Bubba Gump Shrimp?

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is a real restaurant chain inspired by the 1994 film Forrest Gump In the movie, Forrest co-founds the fictional business with his best friend Bubba Blue But does Tom Hanks, who portrayed Forrest, actually profit from the success of the Bubba Gump seafood restaurants?

Bubba Gump Shrimp Started As A Movie Prop Business

In Forrest Gump, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company plays a prominent role in Forrest’s rags-to-riches story. After serving with Bubba in Vietnam, Forrest makes good on a promise to honor his deceased friend’s dream of running a shrimping fleet

Forrest starts a company using Bubba’s family shrimping business. By chance, Forrest rides the wave of shrimp’s growing popularity and becomes a huge hit, making millions of dollars. Bubba Gump Shrimp even goes public with Forrest as an accidental tycoon.

Of course in real life, Bubba Gump Shrimp didn’t exist beyond a fictional prop painted on a boat. That changed after the film’s immense popularity led entrepreneurs to capitalize on the name.

The Restaurant Chain Was Created In 1996

A company called Viacom Consumer Products bought the rights to use Bubba Gump Shrimp for merchandise two years after Forrest Gump came out. They teamed up with restaurant owner Robert Earl to open a real seafood chain based on the idea from Forrest Gump.

The first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant opened in 1996 at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles. Decked out in movie memorabilia and Forrest Gump motifs, the restaurant aimed to bring the world of the film to life. The menu featured dishes inspired by characters, like Jenny’s Catch (blackened salmon) and the eponymous Bubba’s Farmed Shrimp (fried shrimp).

Because Bubba Gump Shrimp was linked to Forrest Gump, it took off very quickly. There are now more than 40 Bubba Gump restaurants around the world, making about $400 million a year in sales. It’s become a major success story capitalizing on a fictional brand.

But Tom Hanks Doesn’t Own The Restaurant Rights

Given Bubba Gump Shrimp’s real world success, a reasonable assumption is that Tom Hanks profits from the company. Especially since his character Forrest Gump founded it in the movie.

However, Hanks has no financial stake or ownership in Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. He does not receive any royalties or licensing fees from the restaurants bearing his character’s shrimp empire. The rights to utilize the Bubba Gump name lie solely with Viacom and Earl’s company.

Forrest Gump was produced by Paramount Pictures, which is owned by Viacom. When Viacom later licensed the Bubba Gump Shrimp branding, that transaction excluded the cast members. So neither Hanks, nor any other Forrest Gump actors, have a claim to the restaurant profits.

Hanks has confirmed he’s not involved with the chain, joking that the only way he profits is by eating there. He doesn’t seem bothered by the lost opportunity though, just humbled the film had such an impact.

But Hanks’ Association Still Benefits The Restaurants

Even though Hanks has no financial stake in Bubba Gump Shrimp, his association with Forrest Gump greatly benefits the business. The restaurant would arguably never have achieved its popularity without capitalizing on Hanks’ connection to the lovable character that inspired it.

Bubba Gump Shrimp highlights its origins in Forrest Gump through movie memorabilia and cheeky menu items named after characters and quotes. Those Forrest Gump touches are a key part of the nostalgic appeal, which brings in customers.

Hanks may also make promotional appearances at Bubba Gump locations on occasion. His visits generate excitement and press that money can’t buy. So while Hanks reaps no direct profits, his link to Forrest Gump still plays a big role in Bubba Gump’s success.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company has become a thriving business empire spawned from a fictional shrimping enterprise. But despite Forrest Gump birthing the idea on screen, Tom Hanks does not own any part of the Bubba Gump brand or earn royalties. The rights belong solely to Viacom and the restaurant founder.

Yet Hanks’ connection to the beloved Forrest still benefits the chain through marketing and nostalgia. His occasional visits to Bubba Gump locations generate buzz, reminding customers it traces back to one of Hanks’ most iconic roles. So in that way, Hanks continues to contribute to the growth of his character’s fictional business in the real world.