Harrison Ford Shouts Out Original Indiana Jones Actor Who Dropped Out & Gave Him The Role
Harrison Ford expressed gratitude towards Tom Selleck, who was originally the top choice for the role of Indiana Jones in the movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark’, for dropping out of the project. After his breakthrough performance in ‘A New Hope’ in 1977, Ford landed his next big acting gig in 1981 with ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, which was a commercial success and established him as a leading actor. However, Ford only got the role because Selleck had to leave the project due to his contractual obligations to CBS’s ‘Magnum P.I.’.
During the Italian premiere of ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’, as reported by ‘Deadline’, Ford thanked Selleck for passing on the role all those years ago. Ford’s full comment is as follows:
“How I got the job? Tom Selleck had the job, but he also incurred an obligation to do a television series and he was unable to get out of that contract. I became the second choice, and I’m very grateful for Tom. Thank you, Tom, man. If you’re listening, thank you again.”
Would Indiana Jones Work Without Harrison Ford?
The filmmaking expertise showcased in the ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise, especially in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, is truly exceptional, with Steven Spielberg exhibiting his talent at its finest. The action is gripping, yet pulpy, and beautifully captured, and the plot of each film is full of awe and mythological intrigue. Even though the other ingredients were present, it is impossible to envision a version of ‘Indiana Jones’ without Ford now.
Selleck was also a popular figure at the time, and screen test videos of him and Marion contender Sean Young revealed the chemistry between the two actors. Selleck also looks the part and has undoubtedly strong leading-man qualities. Nonetheless, it is now undoubtedly impossible to imagine anyone but Ford in the role of Indiana Jones.
Indiana Jones is the most iconic character of Ford’s career, even more so than Han Solo from ‘Star Wars’, and a role that he seems to have been born to play. From the action and the wit to the scholarly quality that Indy possesses as an archeology professor, Ford has it all. ‘Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark’ would likely not have been a failure with Selleck in the lead role, but over 40 years later, it is clear that Ford was the best choice for the part.
Source: Deadline
Key Release Dates
Now, at the Italian premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destinyas shared by DeadlineFord takes a moment to shout out Selleck for passing on the role all those years ago. Check out the actor’s full comment below:
“How I got the job? Tom Selleck had the job, but he also incurred an obligation to do a television series and he was unable to get out of that contract. I became the second choice, and I’m very grateful for Tom. Thank you, Tom, man. If you’re listening, thank you again.”
Would Indiana Jones Work Without Harrison Ford?
The filmmaking craft on display throughout the Indiana Jones franchise, particularly Raiders of the Lost Arkis truly top tier, with Steven Spielberg working at the top of his game. The action is pulpy and yet thrilling and gorgeously captured, and the story for each film is filled with wonder and mythological intrigue. Even without Ford, then, the ingredients are certainly there for Indiana Jones to become a hit.
Selleck was also a popular figure at the time and screen test videos of he and Marion contender Sean Young show that there was chemistry between the two actors. Selleck also looks the part and undoubtedly has strong leading man qualities. That being said, it is now truly impossible to imagine a version of Indiana Jones without Ford.
Even over Star Wars‘ Han Solo, Indiana Jones is the most iconic role of Ford’s career and a part that he seems born to play. From the action to the wit to the learned quality that Indy has for his day job as an archeology professor, Ford brings it all to the table. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark very likely wouldn’t have been a failure with Selleck in the central role, but now, more than 40 years later, it’s clearly for the best that Ford ended up taking the role.
Source: Deadline
Key Release Dates
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
