George Lucas didn’t want to play Harrison Ford as INDIANA JONES at first and explains why

It’s funny when you hear old news about the making of some movies and movie franchises that became huge hits, but were almost very different because of casting choices or other last minute decisions that could have set the movie down a different path. One such franchise is to Indiana Jonesthat fans love all these years later, but could they have loved it as much with a different star?

Harrison Ford is arguably the best part of the film, bringing his flawed relatability to the role along with massive appeal, he embodies the archeology professor turned adventurer to a T. But after working with Ford on Star Wars, Indiana Jones writer George Luke he wasn’t sure casting the same star in his next film was the smartest move.

As he explained in Empire’s oral history on the making of Raiders of the Lost Ark, he didn’t want him and Ford to become known as a couple like actor Robert De Niro and director Martin Scorsese.

“I was wary of Harrison and was becoming like Scorsese and De Niro. I thought, ‘Let’s create a new icon.’”

So they ended up casting another famous actor at the time, Tom Selleck. “We found Tom Selleck, but as soon as the network knew, the option of him was activated Magnum PI it was picked up,” Lucas shared.

Selleck spoke about losing the role in a 2020 interview with Rachael Ray:

“I didn’t refuse! I earned the part. I auditioned. And Steven Spielberg and George Lucas said, “You got the part.” And I said, ‘Well, I did this pilot. I don’t know if it’s a conflict. … Was magnums. CBS basically said, “No, you can’t do both… But Harrison did a good job.”

With Selleck no longer available, Lucas and Spielberg had to scramble to find their Indiana Jones. Ford’s name came up again. This time, they agreed to get in touch, though Lucas said he’s not sure about Return of the Jedi the actor would be willing to sign for three films. Lucas recalled:

“We were pressed for time and Steven said, ‘There’s always Harrison.’ I doubted he would do a three-picture deal – he didn’t want to Star Wars. And we had three photos. Steven said to try anyway. I went to Harrison and he read the script and said, ‘Yes, I’ll do a three-picture deal.’ I’d like to.'”

And the rest is history! I actually think Tom Selleck would have been great as Indiana Jones, but obviously Harrison Ford is our Indy and it all worked out for the best.

Via: CheatSheet