Big (1988)

Penny Marshall’s Big (1988) is a beloved coming-of-age fantasy comedy that captures the awkward joys and pains of growing up—by letting a kid do it all at once. With a heartfelt performance from Tom Hanks and a story that’s both humorous and tender, Big stands as a cultural touchstone of 1980s American cinema.

Detailed Summary

Josh Baskin Makes a Wish

The film begins with 12-year-old Josh Baskin, a typical suburban kid frustrated by the limitations of childhood—too short for carnival rides, too awkward to impress his crush, and constantly being told what he can’t do. One night at a carnival, he finds a mysterious fortune-telling machine called Zoltar Speaks, and in a moment of frustration, wishes to be “big.”

The next morning, he wakes up in his adult body—now a 30-year-old man (played by Tom Hanks)—causing understandable panic in his household and sending him on a journey to New York City with his best friend, Billy, to find the Zoltar machine again and reverse the wish.

Becoming an Adult Overnight

Josh, now in a grown-up’s body but still with a 12-year-old’s mind, lands a job at the MacMillan Toy Company after impressively reviewing toys in a chance meeting with the company’s boss, Mr. MacMillan. Josh quickly becomes a sensation in the toy world thanks to his unfiltered, childlike perspective.

One of the film’s most iconic scenes happens here: Josh and Mr. MacMillan playing “Chopsticks” on a giant piano in FAO Schwarz. This moment encapsulates the spirit of the movie—playful, whimsical, and joyful.

Romance and Confusion

As Josh adapts to adult life, he begins a romantic relationship with Susan Lawrence (Elizabeth Perkins), a corporate executive who is charmed by Josh’s honesty and innocence. But Josh remains conflicted—while he enjoys aspects of adulthood (money, freedom, even love), he also begins to miss his real life, his family, and the simplicity of childhood.

The Pressure Mounts

Josh is promoted and becomes a respected voice in toy design, but the pressures of adult responsibility and the deceit (he hasn’t told Susan the truth) begin to wear on him. Billy, who’s been searching for the Zoltar machine, finally finds it—offering Josh the chance to go back to being a kid. But by this point, Josh has started to fall in love with Susan and questions whether he wants to return.

Movie Ending

In the climax, Josh confesses the truth to Susan: he is a child in an adult’s body. At first, she understandably believes he’s avoiding commitment, but as his behavior and explanations grow more sincere and childlike, she begins to realize he’s telling the truth.

Susan drives Josh to the location of the Zoltar machine. He finds it, makes his wish, and starts walking away. As Susan watches, he literally shrinks back into his 12-year-old form—still in the oversized suit, now drowning in it. She smiles tearfully and says goodbye, realizing he needs to go back to his real life.

The film ends with young Josh returning home, joyfully reunited with his mother, and resuming his childhood—now a little wiser, having experienced what it’s like to be an adult. The final image shows Josh back in his regular life, but carrying the emotional weight (and insight) of his wild journey.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Big does not have a post-credits scene. Once the credits roll, the story is fully concluded. It was made in the pre-MCU era where post-credit teases weren’t a common practice.

Type of Movie

Big is a fantasy comedy-drama, often categorized as a coming-of-age film. It blends light-hearted humor with emotional depth, making it equally enjoyable for adults and children.

Cast

• Tom Hanks as Josh Baskin (adult)
• David Moscow as young Josh Baskin
• Elizabeth Perkins as Susan Lawrence
• Robert Loggia as Mr. MacMillan
• John Heard as Paul Davenport
• Jared Rushton as Billy Kopecki
• Mercedes Ruehl as Mrs. Baskin

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Howard Shore, who would later gain fame for The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Here, his work is lighter, with whimsical and emotional undertones that support the film’s childlike wonder and dramatic beats.

Notable tracks include light piano themes and the song “Heart and Soul” played during the FAO Schwarz piano scene.

Filming Locations

• FAO Schwarz (New York City) – The toy store’s giant piano scene became iconic and helped boost tourism.
• Rye Playland (New York) – The carnival where Josh makes his wish.
• New York City streets and Josh’s apartment – Showcase the transition between the big, scary adult world and childlike wonder.

The NYC backdrop was essential to emphasizing how out-of-place Josh felt as a kid suddenly thrust into adult life.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Awards:
  • Nominated: Best Actor (Tom Hanks)
  • Nominated: Best Original Screenplay
• Golden Globe:
  • Won: Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Tom Hanks)
• Also received multiple nominations from the Writers Guild of America and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Tom Hanks watched David Moscow’s (young Josh) footage to mimic his body language.
• Robert De Niro was originally considered for the lead role. The tone would’ve been very different.
• Penny Marshall became the first female director to direct a film that grossed over $100 million.
• The walking piano at FAO Schwarz was real, and Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia actually learned the choreography.
• The Zoltar machine wasn’t a real arcade game. It was created just for the movie but became so popular it was made into a real attraction later.

Inspirations and References

The concept of body-swapping or age-jumping stories existed before Big—such as in the 1976 film Freaky Friday or even 17 Again—but Big gave the formula emotional weight. The screenplay by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg (yes, Steven Spielberg’s sister) brought a grounded sincerity to the fantastical idea.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While no full alternate ending exists, deleted scenes include:

• More interactions between young Josh’s parents and the police.
• Extended sequences of Josh struggling with his adult responsibilities.
• A longer goodbye between Susan and Josh after he transforms back into a child.

These were cut to streamline pacing and keep the focus on Josh’s emotional arc.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Big is an original screenplay and not based on a book. However, it inspired a children’s novelization and several adaptations (including a Broadway musical), which expand on some background stories but largely stick to the film’s plot.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Josh transforming into an adult and hiding in the city.
• The giant piano duet of “Chopsticks” with Mr. MacMillan.
• Josh’s pitch meeting about toys where he critiques a building that turns into a robot.
• Josh and Billy arguing after Josh becomes too absorbed in adult life.

Iconic Quotes

• “I wish I were big.” – Josh
• “You don’t get it, do you? I’m not your boyfriend, I’m a kid!” – Josh to Susan
• “I don’t get it.” – Josh during a toy pitch
• “I want to spend the night with you.” / “Do you mean sleep over?” / “Well… yeah.” / “Okay. But I get to be on top.” – Josh and Susan, in one of the most awkwardly funny exchanges

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Zoltar’s name comes from a real fortune machine line called Zoltan, but was changed for legal reasons.
• The apartment Josh rents is based on a real NYC loft, now considered a pop culture landmark.
• The comic books and video games in Josh’s apartment are period-authentic from the late ‘80s.

Trivia

• Tom Hanks said this was one of the hardest roles he’s ever done because he had to unlearn adult behavior.
• Jared Rushton (Billy) was only 12 at the time but is often cited as giving one of the most underrated performances in the movie.
• The piano at FAO Schwarz became a tourist destination and was eventually moved to Toys “R” Us in Times Square.

Why Watch?

Watch Big because it’s more than just a fun ‘80s flick—it’s a deeply touching story about growing up, staying true to who you are, and appreciating childhood. It’s both hilarious and heartbreaking, full of charm, and a masterclass in tone, largely due to Hanks’ performance. Whether you’re nostalgic or watching for the first time, Big hits that sweet spot between fantasy and truth.

Director’s Other Movies

• Awakenings (1990)
• A League of Their Own (1992)
• Riding in Cars with Boys (2001)
• The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

Recommended Films for Fans

• 13 Going on 30 (2004)
• Freaky Friday (2003)
• 17 Again (2009)
• Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
• Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
• The Kid (2000)