Jeff Bezos took the lead in the billionaire space race last month when he sent actor William Shatner to space for his company’s second flight attempt with a crew onboard. However, apparently Bezos was initially looking for even more star power for his Blue Origin launch. Actor Tom Hanks revealed this week that he actually turned down an invite to fly to space from Bezos, though he had good reason to say no.
While promoting his upcoming film ‘Finch’ on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ this week, Tom Hanks was asked by the host about rumors he was invited by Jeff Bezos to fly to space. Hanks confirmed the rumor, but claimed he turned down the invite after he was asked to pay for his ticket. “You know, it cost 28 million bucks or something like that, and I’m doing good, Jimmy, I’m doing good. But I ain’t paying 28 [million] bucks,” joked Hanks.
The actor then went on to simulate what it may have been like to take the 12 minute Blue Origin flight to space while in his chair, adding “I can do that at home.” According to Huffington Post, Bezos recently claimed Blue Origin is nearing $100 million in sales. While Hanks wasn’t willing to pay, clearly some people are.