Chet Hanks Debuts «You Better Run» Video with a Nod to «Forrest Gump»

Chet Hanks, the son of Hollywood icon Tom Hanks, has dropped the music video for «You Better Run», drawing inspiration from one of his father’s most beloved films, «Forrest Gump» (1994). The video recreates iconic moments from the movie—think running scenes and a quiet benchside chat with a box of chocolates in hand—with Chet stepping into the spotlight as the lead.

The track comes courtesy of Something Out West, the musical outfit Chet fronts alongside his longtime pal Drew Arthur. Released under this banner, «You Better Run» marks their second single, following «Leaving Hollywood», which hit the airwaves on February 28. Earlier this year, the duo inked a deal with Big Machine Records—a label once home to Taylor Swift for over a decade. Julian Raymond, a producer with Fleetwood Mac on his résumé, helmed «You Better Run». Something Out West is now hard at work on their debut album, slated for a 2025 release. Chet’s been vocal about his appreciation for Big Machine, thanking them for championing their singles.

At 34, Chet Hanks is no stranger to the music scene. Back in 2011, as a college student, he put his spin on Wiz Khalifa’s «Black and Yellow» with «White and Purple». By 2016, he and Drew Arthur formed the duo FTRZ, which evolved into Something Out West in 2020. Beyond music, Chet’s dipped his toes into acting, notably playing rapper Blake Sterling in the series «Empire» (2015–2020).

Meanwhile, Tom Hanks has been busy lighting up screens. Late 2024 saw the global premiere of Robert Zemeckis’ «Here», with Hanks in the starring role. Come 2025, he’ll grace Wes Anderson’s thriller «The Phoenician Scheme», set for release on May 30. And looking further ahead, he’ll once again lend his voice to Sheriff Woody in «Toy Story 5», hitting theaters in June 2026.