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Spielberg: Tom Selleck Was First Indiana Jones Pick
1 Jun
Summary
- Tom Selleck was Steven Spielberg's initial choice for Indiana Jones.
- Selleck declined the role due to his commitment to Magnum P.I.
- Harrison Ford was cast after Selleck's refusal.
Steven Spielberg recently shared that Tom Selleck was the original choice for the role of Indiana Jones in the 1981 film "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Both Spielberg and George Lucas had decided Selleck was the ideal actor after his audition. However, Selleck's existing contract with CBS for the television series "Magnum P.I." created a conflict.
CBS, upon learning of the offer, expedited production of "Magnum P.I.," making it impossible for Selleck to accept the role. Spielberg also humorously mentioned that Selleck would have been required to shave his prominent mustache for the part. Selleck himself later wrote about this experience in his 2024 memoir.
Following Selleck's unavailability, the coveted role of Indiana Jones went to Harrison Ford. Spielberg recalled suggesting Ford to Lucas after seeing his performance as Han Solo in "The Empire Strikes Back." This twist of fate led to Ford's iconic portrayal of the adventurous archaeologist.
