Boy, 13, swaps small village life for Hollywood

Finn Guegan, a 13-year-old boy, has recently made a remarkable transition from his quiet life in a small village in Surrey to the bustling world of Hollywood. He is set to star alongside the renowned actor Tom Hanks in an upcoming blockbuster film titled Here. This exciting project is directed by Robert Zemeckis, a filmmaker celebrated for his iconic works such as Back To The Future, Forrest Gump, and Cast Away. To celebrate the film's release, Finn will host a special screening at Dorking Halls this Sunday. In the film, Finn portrays a young version of Richard Young, a character that plays a significant role in the story. Finn has spent most of his life in the Dorking area, having lived in places like Betchworth, Box Hill, and Westcott since he was just three years old. Currently, he is a student at The Ashcombe School in Dorking, where he is studying for his GCSEs, including Drama, along with other subjects. Finn's journey into acting began through a family friend's connection to an acting agency, which opened the door for him to pursue his passion. He has previously appeared in the ITV crime drama Grace and the science fiction series Silo on Apple TV. Tom Hanks, who is now 68 years old, is widely recognized for his outstanding performances in films such as Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, Cast Away, and the beloved Toy Story series. The film Here is inspired by a graphic novel created by Richard McGuire. The narrative unfolds in a nonlinear manner, focusing on a single piece of land and its inhabitants throughout various time periods, often showcasing events from different eras simultaneously on the screen. Finn expressed his excitement about the filming experience, stating, 'I had an amazing experience filming Here at Pinewood Studios, and I even got to meet Tom Hanks, who was lovely. ' He is eagerly anticipating the chance to see the completed film at Dorking Halls on Sunday. The cast of the film also includes talented actors Paul Bettany and Robin Wright. During the special screening, Finn will give a brief introduction to the film and lead a Q&A session, where he will share insights about his filming experience, his acting career, and his journey from Dorking to the big screen. Keith Garrow, the general manager of Dorking Halls, commented, 'Having a local connection to the film makes it extra special, and we are very proud of Finn's role in the new blockbuster. We believe this is just the beginning of his exciting film career.