Tom Hanks, America’s “everyman,” has officially declared that he is done. In a move that has stunned Hollywood and the country, the Oscar-winning actor announced that he will renounce all his recent Oscar nominations and leave the United States, citing deep disillusionment following the re-election of Donald Trump.

“This is not the America I wanted,” Hanks said through tears in an Instagram video, sitting on what appeared to be a replica of Forrest Gump’s bench. “I’ve played heroes, explorers and even captains, but I can’t captain this sinking ship anymore.”

Hanks was a front-runner in this year’s Oscar race, with nominations for A Better Tomorrow, A Kind Nation and The Last Good Man. But in an unprecedented move, the actor personally requested that the Academy withdraw his nominations, calling the awards “meaningless in a country that has lost its way.”

The Academy, surprised by Hanks’ decision, issued a brief statement: “Tom Hanks has always been a pillar of integrity in the entertainment industry. While we regret his decision, we respect his stance.”

Hollywood insiders see Hanks’ departure as the ultimate wake-up call. Long regarded as Tinseltown’s moral compass, Hanks’ departure underscores the growing unease felt by many about the current state of American politics.

“If Tom Hanks no longer believes in America, what chance do the rest of us have?” actress Kerry Washington tweeted. “This is a national tragedy.”

Director Steven Spielberg, a longtime collaborator and close friend, called Hanks’ decision “heartbreaking but understandable.” “Tom is the lifeblood of this industry and, in many ways, of this country,” Spielberg said in a press release. “His absence will leave a void that cannot be filled.”

Hanks’ announcement has divided fans and sparked a cultural uproar, with social media ablaze with hashtags like #BringBackTom and #AmericaLostHanks.

“I can’t believe Tom Hanks is leaving,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “This is worse than when Toy Story 3 almost made me cry in public.”

Others, however, were less sympathetic. “Another member of the Hollywood elite who is upset that their candidate didn’t win,” wrote one critic. “Don’t let the door slam you, Tom.”

As expected, Donald Trump wasted no time in addressing Hanks’ departure during a rally in Texas.

“Tom Hanks? He’s overrated,” Trump declared to thunderous applause. “He’s mad that people voted for me and not his Hollywood friends. Maybe he should just go ahead and pretend.”

Trump also joked: “Hanks leaving is the best thing that has happened to America since I started The Apprentice. Let him go! Greece can have him.”

Hanks and his wife, actress Rita Wilson, confirmed they will be moving to Greece, a country the couple has often referred to as their “second home.” Hanks, who was granted honorary Greek citizenship in 2020, said the decision to move was an easy one.

“Greece understands democracy. It’s where it all began,” Hanks said in his Instagram video. “I’d rather live in a place that values ​​history and progress than one that’s sliding back into chaos.”

Wilson echoed this sentiment, stating, “We will always love America, but sometimes love means knowing when to let go.”

Hanks’ decision has fuelled rumours of a growing celebrity exodus. Insiders suggest Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep are also considering leaving the country. “Tom’s departure could be the tipping point,” said one source. “If he leaves, who stays?”

The speculation has sparked panic among movie studios, with producers rushing to finalize deals with stars who might be contemplating a similar move.

For Hanks, the decision to pull out of the Oscars and leave the United States is deeply symbolic. “I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire change,” Hanks said. “But when the real story of America is so grim, I can’t keep pretending on screen that everything is fine.”

He specifically mentioned his roles in Saving Private Ryan and Apollo 13 as examples of the America he once believed in: an America of courage, unity and resilience. “That America seems like a distant memory,” he said.

While Hanks’ departure is a blow to Hollywood, the actor made it clear that he has no plans to retire. He hinted that his future projects will focus on global issues and themes of human resilience.

“I will continue to tell stories,” Hanks said. “But from now on they will be stories that transcend borders, because I cannot remain confined to a country that no longer reflects the values ​​that I hold dear.”

Hanks’ departure has sparked a national debate about what his departure means for America. Many see it as a wake-up call, a sign that even the most optimistic and patriotic among us are losing faith.

“Tom Hanks’ departure is a metaphor for everything that is wrong with America right now,” said cultural critic Dr. Emily Lang. “If we can’t keep Tom, who can we keep?”

Others, however, see his departure as an opportunity for reflection. “Maybe this is what we need to start asking ourselves the hard questions,” said one commentator.

As Hanks prepares to leave, he offered a farewell message to his fans: “This isn’t goodbye forever. It’s just goodbye for now. I hope that one day I can return to an America that feels like home again. Until then, please take care of each other. We’re all we have.”

With that, America’s father signed off, leaving a nation wondering how it will ever fill the void left by one of its most beloved icons. As one fan poignantly put it: “If Tom Hanks can’t save us, maybe we should save ourselves.”