Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah Led the Film

Tom Hanks played Allen Bauer, a New York businessman who falls in love with a mermaid. Daryl Hannah played Madison, the mermaid who comes ashore and transforms into a human woman. The two leads carry the entire film, which centers on their romance and the complications that arise when a sea creature tries to live on land.

Hanks was relatively unknown at the time — this was one of his early leading roles, before he became a household name through films like Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan. Hannah had appeared in smaller roles before but Splash gave her significant screen time and helped establish her as a leading actress. The chemistry between them is what makes the film work, since the plot depends entirely on the audience believing their connection despite the absurdity of the premise.

Key Takeaways

  • Tom Hanks starred as Allen Bauer, the human love interest, in one of his earliest leading film roles.
  • Daryl Hannah played Madison, the mermaid who becomes human and falls in love with Hanks's character.
  • John Candy provided comic relief as Allen's brother Freddie, delivering most of the film's humor.
  • Eugene Levy played Walter Kornchek, a scientist obsessed with capturing Madison for research.
  • The film was directed by Ron Howard and released by Disney in 1984.

John Candy as the Comic Sidekick

John Candy played Freddie Bauer, Allen's brother and best friend. Candy was already known for his comedic timing from his work on Saturday Night Live and in films like Stripes. In Splash, he serves as the comic relief — the character who makes jokes, gets into awkward situations, and provides a counterpoint to the romance between Allen and Madison.

Candy's role is smaller than the two leads but crucial to the film's tone. Without his humor, Splash would be a straight romantic drama about a man and a mermaid. With Candy, it becomes a comedy that happens to have a mermaid in it. His scenes with Hanks show genuine friendship and give the audience someone to laugh at when the main plot gets too sentimental.

Eugene Levy as the Antagonist Scientist

Eugene Levy played Walter Kornchek, a marine biologist who becomes obsessed with capturing Madison once he realizes she is not human. Levy was known for his work on SCTV and would later become famous for the American Pie films. In Splash, he is the closest thing the film has to a villain — not evil, but single-minded and willing to pursue Madison regardless of the consequences.

Kornchek's pursuit of Madison drives much of the film's second half. He represents the outside world intruding on Allen and Madison's private romance. Levy plays him as earnest rather than malicious, which makes him more interesting than a straightforward bad guy would be. The audience understands his scientific curiosity even as they root against him.

Supporting Cast and Smaller Roles

The film includes several other actors in smaller but memorable parts. Richard B. Shull played Spike Frohlich, Allen's boss at the fruit and vegetable import business. Bobby Di Cicco played Freddie's friend Tad, who appears in a few comic scenes. Howard Morris played an older man who encounters Madison and becomes smitten with her.

These supporting roles flesh out the world around the main characters. They give the film a sense of place — New York City in the 1980s — and provide opportunities for comedy beyond what the main plot offers. The smaller cast members help ground the fantastical premise in a recognizable reality.

Director Ron Howard's Vision

Ron Howard directed Splash and shaped how the cast performed. Howard was known for his ability to balance comedy and heart, which is exactly what this film needed. He had directed Night Shift the year before and would go on to direct Cocoon and Willow. His direction keeps Splash from becoming either too silly or too sentimental.

Howard's choice to cast Hanks, who was not yet a star, proved to be inspired. He saw something in Hanks that audiences would come to love — a combination of everyman appeal and genuine warmth. Howard also understood how to use Candy's comedy without letting it overwhelm the romance, and how to make Hannah's mermaid character feel real despite the impossible circumstances.

The Film's Production and Release

Splash was released by Disney on March 9, 1984. It was a major commercial success, earning over $61 million at the box office — a significant amount for that era. The film's success helped launch Tom Hanks's career as a leading man and proved that audiences would embrace a romantic comedy with a science-fiction twist.

The cast and crew worked together during a period when special effects were limited compared to modern standards. The underwater scenes and the transformation sequences were done with practical effects and early computer graphics. The fact that the film still holds up visually is a testament to the craft of the effects team and the direction of Ron Howard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Tom Hanks famous when he made Splash?

No. Hanks had appeared in television and small film roles, but Splash was one of his first leading roles in a major studio film. The movie's success helped make him famous and led to bigger roles in films like Big and Forrest Gump.

Did Daryl Hannah do her own underwater scenes?

Hannah did perform some underwater work, but professional swimmers and stunt performers handled the most difficult sequences. The mermaid tail was a practical costume piece that made extended underwater filming challenging.

Was there a sequel to Splash?

Yes. Splash Too was released in 1988 as a made-for-television movie. It featured the original cast but was not a theatrical release and is generally considered less successful than the original film.

How much of the film was actually shot in New York?

Much of Splash was filmed on location in New York City, though some scenes were shot on soundstages and in other locations. The opening scenes with the shipwreck were filmed elsewhere, but the main story takes place in recognizable New York locations.