The fight against COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, has manifested in an array of surprising ways over this week alone. Things took a heartbreaking turn on Wednesday night, when it was revealed that Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have both tested positive for the disease. Fans of the couple – and particularly of Hanks’ storied career – quickly took to social media to worry about the couple and wish them well in their recovery. For those who are particularly fond of The Simpsons, the news of Hanks’ quarantine because of the disease brought up a surprising coincidence.
Hanks famously cameoed as himself in 2007’s The Simpsons Movie, in a fake advertisement promoting “The New Grand Canyon”. In the commercial, Hanks jokes that “the U.S. Government has lost its credibility, so its borrowing some of mine.” He then returns during the film’s end credits, to clarify “this is Tom Hanks saying if you see me in person, please, please leave me be.”
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While the moment isn’t a complete prediction of what ultimately happened to Hanks, the parallel has definitely freaked out and amused fans since they first discovered it. Here’s a round-up of some of those responses.
Just Wait
Tom Hanks has coronavirus whoโs gonna dig up the Simpsons episode that predicted this
โ Tar (@tortar_) March 12, 2020
Again!
.@TheSimpsons did it again, they predicted that .@tomhanks would get the #Corona virus. Why is no one talking about this pic.twitter.com/qmjs0968hw
โ Lazar Kavaji (@lazarkavaji_) March 12, 2020
Video Proof
The Simpsons predicted Tom Hanksโ Coronavirus infection back in 2007 pic.twitter.com/q55CLGvhDy
โ Dillon๐ณ๐ฌ ๐ (@ftbldillon) March 12, 2020
Big Mood
Relatable Simpsons. #TomHanks pic.twitter.com/4oMPtzwt8M
โ Laura Turner ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ (@laura898) March 12, 2020
Eerie
Oh wow Tom hanks presented the show in the simpsons movie where they wipe Springfield off the maps
โ Maisie McGregor (@maisiemcgregor7) March 12, 2020
So Weird
The Simpsons predicted The Coronavirus and Tom Hanks self quarantine in 2 separate episodes? That show has predicted so many things!
โ Mikey (@itchyyypanda) March 12, 2020
Sounds About Right
The Simpson series uses witchcraft and sorcery to write the series #TomHanks
โ ู (@fa3280) March 12, 2020
Plot Twist
I need to watch the simpsons to see if Tom Hanks will survive the coronavirus
โ Lee (@leah_rose18) March 12, 2020