The hobo in Polar Express is a mysterious figure who appears in the Polar Express. His character wasn’t featured in the original book, but he adds a sense of mystery and bemusem*nt to all his scenes.
We first meet the hobo character when Hero Boy sets off to return Hero Girl’s missing train ticket. Mistaking the hobo for the conductor on top of the train, he climbs out and up, meeting the hobo on the train roof. He is dressed in a shabby outfit, with tattered clothes and an old hat, making coffee over an open fire.
After explaining to Hero Boy how he rides on top of the train whenever he likes without paying, he reveals that he doesn’t believe in Santa. He also proceeds to mock Santa by pretending to be an animatronic Santa puppet.
At this point, a viewer might be a bit suspicious about the hobo's intentions and whether or not we can trust him, but —without trying to give away any spoilers— we quickly learn that he’s got everyone's well-being at heart. Throughout the film, he comes to both Hero Boy’s and Hero Girl’s aid, saving both of their skins.
The hobo’s identity is never revealed in the movie, leaving it open to interpretation as to who he is and what his true purpose is. Some fans have speculated that he is a representation of Santa Claus, while others think he may be a guardian angel sent to look after the children on their journey.
His backstory was cut from the original film as the creators thought the film had a better flow without it. In the deleted scenes, Smokey and Streamer tell his story in a shadow puppet show. They explain to Hero Boy and Hero Girl that he’s actually the ghost of King, a young boy who was killed in Flat Top Tunnel, the very tunnel where he saves Hero Boy’s life.
Whatever the case may be, the hobo from Polar Express remains an enigmatic character that fascinates viewers to this day.
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