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'Dream' role for youngster in Tom Hanks film

BBC Albie Salter in a blue shirt, navy suit jacket and bow tie on set with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. In this image Tom Hanks is standing to the right putting bunny ears behind Albie's head.BBC
Albie Salter, 12, stars in the new Tom Hanks film Here

A schoolboy said acting alongside Tom Hanks in a newly-released film was a "childhood dream come true".

Twelve-year-old Albie Salter from Maidenhead plays Hanks' younger brother, Jimmy, in the film Here.

He said the Forrest Gump and Toy Story star had been "extraordinary, kind, talkative, always joking between takes and generally amazing".

The film, released in cinemas, also features big names like Robin Wright and Paul Bettany.

Getty Images Close-up shot of Tom Hanks looking towards the camera, with a blurred backgroundGetty Images
Albie said the 68-year-old Hanks was an "extraordinary" person

The film is a generational story about families and the special place they inhabit, sharing in love, loss, laughter, and life.

Albie was filming in Pinewood studios near Slough for about two months.

"Filming was quite a short process but it takes about two years to do all the CGI and AI work," he said.

Balancing school and a Hollywood film career while hanging out with Tom Hanks had been "challenging", he said.

"I would have about four to five hours of school work after a long day filming."

(l-r) Actors Tom Hanks, Albie Salter and director Robert Zemeckis on set. Tom is dressed in jeans and a checkered shirt, whilst Albie is wearing jeans and a yellow top and Robert is wearing a navy tracksuit.
(l-r) Actors Tom Hanks and Albie Salter with director Robert Zemeckis on set

Albie explained that Tom Hanks was made to look younger in the film using deepfake technology.

He said: "On the screen, you're seeing Tom Hanks how he looks now and on the other side of the screen, on the big screen, you see Tom Hanks looking 18."

Albie described being on set as "like a family" and said his favourite memories had been "being around these amazing actors and chatting to them like they are your friend".

"Just watching him [Hanks] gives you so much - it's always an outstanding performance," he said.

"I learnt so much from being on set with him."

(L-R) Leigh is smiling and wearing a black roll neck top and Albie is wearing a white knitted jumper both are sitting at a table and looking at a book.
Albie and his mum Leigh, looking at the book the film is based on

Albie's mum Leigh said his reaction to landing the role had been one of "surprise and excitement".

She said: "It's a big gig to get for your first movie, a Hollywood movie and certainly a great first step into the industry.

"He was very excited, it's something he has always wanted to do.

"It was a very good opportunity and pretty special."

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