Tom Hanks Starred In A TV Movie Inspired By Dungeons & Dragons' 'Satanic Panic

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Tom Hanks was on the rise as an actor, landing his first major role in a feature film with 'Mazes and Monsters'.

The movie, based on Rona Jaffe's novel of the same name, premiered in December 1982 and became a product of the Satanic Panic, a moral panic surrounding roleplaying games like 'Dungeons & Dragons.' For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

From Cautionary Tale to Cultural Phenomenon

'Mazes and Monsters' tells the story of a group of misfit students who become trapped in a game of 'Dungeons & Dragons,' leading to a descent into madness.

The film, starring Hanks as Robbie Wheeling, was widely criticized for its portrayal of the RPG community and its perceived connection to Satanism.

'Mazes and Monsters' marked a turning point in Tom Hanks' career, showcasing his ability to carry a film and launch him into stardom.

A Turning Point in Hanks' Career

His performance as Robbie Wheeling cemented his status as a rising star, paving the way for future roles in films like 'Splash,' 'Big,' and 'Forrest Gump.'

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'Mazes and Monsters' may have been a product of its time, but it helped to cement 'Dungeons & Dragons' as a cultural phenomenon.

More recently, the RPG has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the hit Netflix series 'Stranger Things' and the Chris Pine-led blockbuster 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.'

In 1983, the year after the movie adaptation aired, "Dungeons & Dragons" was itself adapted for television in the form of an animated series that ran for three seasons.

More recently, "Dungeons & Dragons" and the so-called "Satanic Panic" of the 1980s featured heavily in the hit Netflix series, "Stranger Things." The RPG was also adapted in the Chris Pine-led blockbuster, "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves." Hanks went from strength to strength after "Mazes and Monsters." Two years later, he starred in "Splash," before going on to lead movies like "Big," "Forrest Gump," "Apollo 13," and "Toy Story."

The late 1970s and early 1980s were a strange time for the roleplaying game, "Dungeons & Dragons." The game was exploding in popularity, while also being at the center of a moral panic, while also giving Tom Hanks his first lead role in a feature film.