Chet Hanks, the third child of Hollywood icon Tom Hanks, is back on the screen with his first major acting role in four years, starring in Running Point. When Isla Gordon becomes President of the LA Waves basketball team after her older brother steps down temporarily, she must prove her worth in the male-dominated world of basketball management. As part of Running Point‘s cast, Chet Hanks acts alongside leading actress Kate Hudson, playing Travis, a basketball player who’s full of trouble.

Unlike his father’s more traditional Hollywood career, Chet Hanks has built a reputation for his outspoken personality and music career. However, Running Point‘s early reviews note his compelling acting return, as his scene-stealing performance showcases a newfound range. Though Travis begins as a typical self-absorbed and unruly athlete, his storyline becomes one of the most compelling by Running Point‘s ending. While Hanks has previous experience in both film and TV, Running Point seems like a big next step, showing a promising career ahead.

Chet Hanks Plays Travis Bugg In Netflix’s Running Point

Chet Hanks Offers An Unexpected Vulnerability To His Brash Running Point Character

Running Point‘s solid Rotten Tomatoes score is amazing news for the actor, who plays Travis Bugg, a basketball player who’s also a PR nightmare for the Gordon family. While her brothers want to trade him for his problematic behavior, Isla (Hudson) sees his potential and sets out on a mission to correct him. Hanks plays an undisciplined half-sportsman, half-musician celebrity-type, who’s also quite sexist, as are many of the characters in the male-dominated industry. As the point guard for the Waves basketball team, however, Buggs’ dedication is crucial.

The comic sports part suits Hanks perfectly and could set up a future career in the genre.

Following Running Point‘s true Isla Gordon inspiration, the new Waves president works hard and earns her team’s respect and trust, uncovering a more complex side to Travis. The actor offers a great balance of brash and comically clueless, but also subtly insecure, getting the audience on his side by the end of the season. Hanks’ performance is strong and adds depth to the show, making his presence crucial for a possible Running Point season 2. His character’s growth not only enhances the narrative but also serves as a key element in showcasing Isla’s skills in the world of sports.

Chet Hanks’ Last Major Acting Role Came In Your Honor Season 1

Running Point Could Pave The Way For Chet Hanks’ Career In A New Genre

Chet Hanks had a recurring role in Showtime’s acclaimed series, Your Honor, which stars actor Bryan Cranston as a respected judge who gets caught in a web of crime. Though he has had smaller roles in other TV shows and movies since then, Hanks’ longest role to date has been in Empire. He joined the Fox drama series in season 4 and became a main character in season 5. Though the actor’s previous roles may not be in shows like Running Point, the comic sports part suits Hanks perfectly and could set up a future career in the genre. Also known for his recurring character in Shameless, Hanks has made guest appearances in several TV shows, including Atlanta, NCIS: New Orleans, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Maron. Running Point marks a major return for Hanks after spending recent years focusing on other ventures. Notably, he has appeared in projects as himself and pursued a music career. Chet Hanks’ acting comeback is very promising and could open doors for him to take on more prominent roles in future projects.