7 Shocking Secrets About Zoltar, The Fortune Teller Machine That Made Tom Hanks 'Big'

The iconic fortune teller machine from the 1988 classic film Big is arguably one of the most recognizable and mysterious non-human characters in cinematic history. As of December 13, 2025, the legacy of this enigmatic figure continues to resonate, not just for its magical plot device, but for its surprising real-world story that involves a clever business move and a lasting cultural impact.

The machine, known as Zoltar Speaks, is the catalyst for the entire movie, transforming 13-year-old Josh Baskin (played by David Moscow and then famously by Tom Hanks) into a 30-year-old man. While many assume the animatronic figure was a relic of a bygone era, its true history and continued popularity are far more fascinating than a simple movie prop.

Zoltar Speaks: The Real-Life Story of the Animatronic Oracle

The character of the fortune teller in the movie *Big* is not a human actor but the animatronic figure inside the Zoltar Speaks machine. Its persona is built on a long history of coin-operated arcade figures, yet the Zoltar machine itself has a unique origin story directly tied to the film's success.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Here is a breakdown of the entity that granted Josh Baskin's wish:

• Character Name: Zoltar (often referred to as Zoltar Speaks).
• First Appearance: The movie Big (1988).
• Role in Film: The magical arcade machine that grants Josh Baskin's wish to be "big," setting the entire plot in motion.
• Physical Description: A turbaned, mustachioed man, seated in a glass cabinet, with glowing eyes and articulated movements.
• The Wish: Josh inserts a quarter and wishes, "I wish I were big." The machine dispenses a card that reads, "Your wish is granted."
• Real-World Manufacturer (Post-Movie): Characters Unlimited Inc., based in Boulder City, Nevada.
• Cultural Status: An iconic piece of pop culture, a staple in modern arcades, and a popular collectible.

1. The Original Machine Was a Custom Movie Prop (Not a Real Arcade Relic)

A common misconception is that the Zoltar machine was an existing, classic arcade attraction that the filmmakers simply used. In reality, the specific Zoltar machine seen in the 1988 film was a custom-made movie prop.

While the machine was inspired by older, real-life fortune-telling devices—like the "Zoltan" or "The Gypsy"—the Zoltar with an "R" was created specifically for the production of *Big*. Interestingly, the movie machine functioned differently from the working Zoltar replicas you see today; the prop's hand movement and card dispensing were unique to the film.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

2. The Name "Zoltar" Was Not Trademarked When the Movie Premiered

The most shocking secret behind Zoltar's real-world ubiquity is a clever business move. After the movie's massive success, the owner of Characters Unlimited Inc., a company specializing in animatronics, realized that the name "Zoltar" had not been trademarked by the film studio.

He quickly secured the trademark for "Zoltar Speaks" and began manufacturing and distributing the animatronic fortune-telling machines globally. This is why you can find hundreds of Zoltar machines in arcades, theme parks, and gift shops across the world today—they are official, post-movie creations capitalizing on the film's fame.

3. The Machine Sparked a Real-Life Animatronic Empire

Characters Unlimited, the company that trademarked and built the modern Zoltar, has turned the machine into a massive commercial success. They offer various models, from the full-sized Deluxe Zoltar to mini replicas.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

This business success demonstrates the immense cultural power of the movie *Big*. The machine's design—with its eye movement, talking function, and fortune card dispenser—has become the definitive image of an arcade fortune teller, eclipsing its historical predecessors.

4. Tom Hanks Had a "Reunion" with Zoltar in 2023

Despite being a 35-year-old film, the Zoltar machine remains a relevant entity in pop culture. In a notable moment that brought the movie back into the spotlight, actor Tom Hanks reunited with a Zoltar machine in 2023.

The reunion took place during a sketch on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, where Hanks approached the machine and hilariously asked Zoltar to make him "30 again," referencing his age in the movie. This moment provided fresh, relevant content for fans and proved the lasting nostalgia associated with the iconic prop.

5. The Machine's Location in the Movie is a Classic New York Mystery

The scene where Josh Baskin finds the Zoltar machine is set at a dark, rundown carnival on Coney Island. The eerie atmosphere of the scene is crucial for establishing the machine's magical, slightly sinister power. However, the exact filming location of the Zoltar scene is often debated by fans and film historians.

While *Big* was filmed in various locations around New York, the Zoltar scene's specific setting was carefully constructed to feel isolated and mysterious, emphasizing Josh's desperate wish and the machine's potent magic. The scene is a masterclass in using location to convey a sense of wonder and foreboding.

6. Replica Machines Are Highly Collectible and Valuable

Due to the machine's iconic status, both full-sized Zoltar Speaks replicas and smaller, scaled-down versions are highly sought after by collectors and pop culture enthusiasts. Companies like New Wave Toys have released miniature, fully functional replicas that look, sound, and work like the movie machine.

These collectibles, which dispense tiny fortune cards and feature the signature voice and movements, serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of the film and its central magical element. The demand for these items highlights the machine's status as a genuine piece of Americana and cinematic history.

7. Zoltar is Often Confused with its Predecessor, Zoltan

Before the movie *Big*, the most famous animatronic fortune teller was often "Zoltan," a similar figure with a slightly different spelling. The success of the film essentially replaced the older "Zoltan" in the public consciousness, making "Zoltar" the definitive name for the mysterious, wish-granting oracle.

This is a classic example of how a major Hollywood film can overwrite history, turning a custom prop into the new, universally recognized standard. The power of the *Big* movie's storytelling cemented Zoltar, with an 'R', as the ultimate arcade fortune teller.

The Enduring Legacy of Zoltar, the Wish-Granting Machine

The story of the fortune teller in the movie *Big* is not about an actor or a character, but about the enduring power of a single, well-designed prop. The Zoltar Speaks machine is more than a plot device; it is a symbol of childhood longing, the complexity of adult life, and the magic of cinema. The machine's legacy is kept alive by its manufacturer, Characters Unlimited, and the continued nostalgia of fans who, like Tom Hanks, occasionally wish they could go back to a simpler time. The machine continues to appear in various forms of media and real-world attractions, ensuring that the question of "What would you wish for?" remains relevant for a new generation of movie lovers.