Indiana Jones in Temple of Doom and Tom Selleck as Magnum PI
By now, most Indiana Jones fans know that Harrison Ford wasn’t the original choice to play the most popular adventurous archaeologist. The role was originally slated for Blue Blood’s Tom Selleck. Ford has shared the story multiple times, but to my knowledge he never publicly praised Selleck…until recently.
The ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ star was promoting the latest film in the series when he decided to pay tribute to Selleck at the Taormina Film Festival in Italy. While the “Three Men and a Baby” star had to drop out due to his Magnum PI program, Ford was the (next) obvious choice, having worked with George Lucas on the Star Wars franchise. Years after he scored the role of Indiana Jones, the Oscar nominee finally thanked Tom Selleck for putting the role on a panel (via Deadline).
How did I get the job? Tom Selleck had the job, but he also had the obligation to do a television series and he couldn’t get out of that contract. I became a “second” choice and am very grateful to Tom. Thanks Tom man. If you’re listening, thank you again.
Harrison Ford seemed genuinely grateful that Tom Selleck was too busy to tackle the Indy role, which makes sense given the character’s importance in film history. After playing Han Solo for several years, Ford has since had a number of hits and failures, including Apocalypse Now and The Frisco Kid. So getting another franchise role was just the thing at the time. Of course he’s made the role his own, but I’m glad he’s calling out the actor who almost made it.
With the first choice now off the table, Ford mentioned that he was cast to play the beloved role. The Indy actor revealed how he was briefed on the role after Selleck turned it down.
I got a call from George Lucas. He said, “I’ll send you a script home.” ‘Oh, really? OK.’ “I want you to read it right now.” I want you to read it in an hour.’ “Uh, okay, I’ll read it in an hour.” I sat down and read it in an hour. He said, “I want you to go to Steven Spielberg’s house and talk to him.” I went to Spielberg’s house — I’d never met Steven Spielberg before — and I’m guessing about an hour later I had the job.
The story goes on
George Lucas and Steven Spielberg wasted no time in casting Ford straight into the iconic role. Becoming Indiana Jones wasn’t easy as he was Spielberg’s first choice but not necessarily Lucas’s. The Star Wars impresario’s concern made sense as he had worked with the Hollywood A-star on several films since American Graffiti.
The ‘Blade Runner’ star has taken a bad stance on some of Lucas’ other projects in the past, though he’s always blamed the latter for his career. These days, fans might find it hard to imagine anyone else – let alone Tom Selleck – traveling across different continents in search of mysterious treasures. Ford took on the role and ran with her, grossing millions at the worldwide box office in several films spanning four decades.
Moviegoers will see Harrison Ford again as Indiana Jones when Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny hits theaters on June 30, 2023. Before the latest installment hits theaters, you can watch the first four Indiana Jones adventures by streaming them through Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.