Role Indiana Jones in performance Steven Spielberg became one of the most iconic films in cinema history, influencing the adventure film genre for generations. However, the legendary archaeologist almost chose a different path due to casting issues, and, as Spielberg explained, Harrison Ford was not the first candidate.
In a recent interview, the director detailed how contractual issues prevented his chosen actor from playing the role, which ultimately paved the way for Ford to turn the role into cinematic legend.
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have reached an agreement on an actor. MEGA
In an interview with Craig Robinson and Michelle Obama on the IMO podcast, director Steven Spielberg revealed that he and his Indiana Jones co-writer, George Lucas, were having trouble casting the film.
The filmmakers interviewed and auditioned many actors for the role of the protagonist, Dr. Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones, Jr., and agreed that Tom Selleck was perfect for the role. "He came in, read the script, and his audition went well. I really liked it," the director recalls. However, he would have changed one thing about Selleck's signature mustache.
Spielberg and Lucas offered Selleck the role, but the actor later realized his contract with CBS prevented him from playing Indiana Jones. At the time, Selleck was filming the series Magnum, P.I., playing the title character. The series aired for eight seasons, from 1980 to 1988.
Han Solo as Indiana Jones
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Spielberg explained how they ultimately chose Harrison Ford for the role of Indiana Jones. While watching Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, the second installment in Lucas's Star Wars universe, Spielberg asked him, "George, what about that guy who plays Han Solo for Indiana Jones?"«
Lucas was initially apprehensive, noting that Ford was already playing Han Solo, to which Spielberg responded that the actor could play more than one character. Lucas sent Ford the script for Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the rest is history.
In 2014, during a Reddit Q&A, Ford was asked to choose between his two most famous roles—Han Solo and Indiana Jones. The actor said he preferred playing the latter, citing the fun adventures he experienced during filming, but added that his Star Wars character also held an important place in his life.
Steven Spielberg cut Harrison Ford from the movie E.T.
Spielberg's sci-fi film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released in 1982, and, unbeknownst to many, Ford had a cameo role that was cut from the final version. At the time, Ford was in a relationship with screenwriter Melissa Mathison, who later became his wife, and he agreed to play a prim school principal in the film.
A low-quality recording can be found online, and for much of the scene, only Ford's back is visible as he lectures Elliot. Spielberg says he ultimately decided to cut this segment because it didn't add value to the film. He also feared that Ford, whose popularity had skyrocketed after starring in two Star Wars films and playing Indiana Jones, would be a distraction.
Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford's close relationship
Spielberg and Ford maintained a close friendship over the years, and the director was also known to occasionally pull elaborate pranks on the actor.
During the filming of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Spielberg arranged a small surprise for Ford. During one scene, Ford was chained up when Barbra Streisand, dressed as a dominatrix, entered and began using her whip. She jokingly scolded the actor for making too much money from Star Wars. Then his Star Wars co-star, Carrie Fisher, appeared dressed as a security guard and kissed him. The Empire Strikes Back director Irvin Kershner also got in on the prank and yelled at Streisand.
On another occasion, Spielberg played a prank on Ford on the set of The Goonies, where he was an executive producer. When Ford visited the set, he was surprised to find the entire crew reading an unauthorized biography he hated. It turned out Spielberg had purchased hundreds of copies of the book just to play a prank on him.
Steven Spielberg said that no one else can play Indiana Jones.
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Ford reprised the role of Indiana Jones in five films, four of which were directed by Spielberg. In 2015, the director firmly stated that no one could replace Ford in his iconic role. "I don't think it'll ever happen... There will only be one actor playing Indiana Jones, and that's Harrison Ford," he said.
Ford shares this sentiment. In 2019, while appearing on the Today show, the actor was asked who he'd like to see play the archaeologist. He replied, "Nobody else is going to be Indiana Jones. You understand? I'm Indiana Jones. When I'm gone, he's gone.".
The article "The Surprise Actor Steven Spielberg Originally Envisioned for Indiana Jones" first appeared on The Blast.