Chet Hanks is channeling his father’s iconic role in Forrest Gump with a fresh, creative spin in his latest music video for “You Better Run.”
The video, which features his country-rock duo Something Out West, brings a sense of nostalgia by recreating memorable moments from the beloved 1994 film.
A Heartfelt Family Moment
The video opens with a playful homage to Forrest Gump, where a feather floats through the air before landing near Chet, who is dressed in Forrest’s signature grey suit and blue gingham shirt.
This clever visual sets the stage for a modern-day twist on the classic character.
In a truly heartwarming moment, Tom Hanks, Chet’s father, makes a cameo, sitting beside him on the bench.
Their interaction adds a touching emotional layer, showcasing the father-son bond on screen, as Tom appears slightly bemused sharing the scene with his son.
A Deep Dive into Nostalgia
The video is full of nostalgic references that fans of Forrest Gump will love.
From a shrimping boat named “Jenny” to Chet running in the same Nike Cortez sneakers his father wore in the film, the video is packed with little details that evoke fond memories of the classic movie.
In one standout scene, Chet even recreates Forrest’s famous cross-country run, donning a red jacket and a bushy beard, just like his dad did in the film.
Chet’s music partner, Drew Arthur, also features prominently in the video, joining him for a performance on the deck of the boat, Jenny.
The country-rock duo delivers the song with energy, mixing upbeat sounds with heartfelt lyrics.
The Message Behind the Music
“You Better Run” carries an urgent, powerful message in its chorus: “You better run / Like the devil’s on your tail.”
While it’s a nod to Forrest Gump, it also serves as a metaphor for life’s many obstacles and the determination needed to push through them.
Reflecting on his creative journey, Chet shared his excitement for the project in an interview with Esquire. “Ultimately, I consider myself an artist,” he said.
“Acting and music are just two different mediums for expressing myself.”
He also expressed how surreal it was to work alongside his father on such a personal project, saying, “Having my dad be part of this was surreal. It felt like everything came full circle.”
Something Out West’s Journey
The duo of Something Out West, consisting of Chet and Drew, came together through their shared commitment to sobriety.
After meeting in California and bonding over late-night jam sessions, they moved to Nashville to perfect their sound.
Now signed to Big Machine Records, they’re preparing to release their debut album later this year.
While the music video has garnered mixed reactions, many fans praised it as a heartfelt tribute to the Hanks family legacy.
Some found it a creative way to honor Forrest Gump, while others criticized it as being overly reliant on Tom Hanks’ fame.
As one social media user put it, “Chet never ceases to surprise us—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.”
Regardless of the mixed reviews, You Better Run has certainly captured worldwide attention.
A Nostalgic Blend for Fans Worldwide
For fans of Tom Hanks, Chet Hanks, and country music, this collaboration is a unique fusion of nostalgia and fresh talent.
Whether you find it endearing or cheesy, there’s no denying that the Hanks family continues to captivate audiences with their unforgettable presence.
Chet Hanks is clearly carving his own path, making bold moves in his career while paying tribute to his father’s legacy in a creative and personal way.
What do you think of Chet’s Forrest Gump tribute? Was it a clever nostalgic move, or did it lean too heavily on his father’s fame? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!