Steven Spielberg reveals his initial vision for Indiana Jones, shedding light on how the legendary character was nearly cast very differently. The The Surprising Actor Steven Spielberg First Envisioned As Indiana Jones first appeared on The Blast

Steven Spielberg‘s Indiana Jones has become one of the most iconic roles in film history, shaping the adventure genre for generations. However, the legendary archaeologist nearly took a different path due to casting considerations, and as Spielberg shared, Harrison Ford wasn’t the first choice.

In a recent interview, the director detailed how a contract issue prevented his chosen actor from taking the part, which ultimately paved the way for Ford, who turned the role into a cinematic legend.

Steven Spielberg And George Lucas Agreed On An Actor

In an interview with Craig Robinson and Michelle Obama on the podcast “IMO,” director Steven Spielberg revealed that he and his “Indiana Jones” co-creator, George Lucas, hit a snag with casting.

The filmmakers had interviewed and screen-tested many actors to portray the lead character, Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones, Jr., and they agreed that Tom Selleck was perfect for the role. “He came in, he read for the part, his test was good. I loved it,” the director recalled. One thing he would have changed, however, was Selleck’s signature mustache.

Spielberg and Lucas offered Selleck the part, but the actor later realized that he had a contract with CBS that prevented him from taking on the role of Indiana Jones. At that time, Selleck was filming the series “Magnum, P.I.,” in which he played the titular character. The show aired for eight seasons, from 1980 to 1988.

Han Solo As Indiana Jones

Spielberg recounted how they eventually landed on Harrison Ford to play Indiana Jones. While watching a screening of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” the second movie released in Lucas’ Star Wars universe, Spielberg asked him, “George, what about that guy who plays Han Solo to play Indiana Jones?”

Lucas was apprehensive at first, noting that Ford was already playing Han Solo, to which Spielberg responded that the actor could portray more than one character. Lucas sent Ford the script for “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and the rest was history.

In a Reddit AMA in 2014, Ford was asked to choose between his two most famous roles, Han Solo and Indiana Jones. The actor said he preferred portraying the latter, citing the fun adventures he had while shooting, but said his “Star Wars” character was also a big part of his life.

Steven Spielberg Cut Harrison Ford From ‘E.T.’

Spielberg’s sci-fi film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” was released in 1982, and, unbeknownst to many, Ford had a cameo that was removed from the final cut. At that time, Ford was in a relationship with screenwriter Melissa Mathison, who later became his wife, and he agreed to play an uptight principal in the movie.

The grainy footage is available online, and for most of the scene, only Ford’s back is visible as he lectures Elliot. According to Spielberg, he ultimately decided to remove that part, as it didn’t add value to the movie. He was also concerned that Ford, whose popularity skyrocketed after starring in two “Star Wars” movies and playing Indiana Jones, would be a distraction.

Steven Spielberg And Harrison Ford’s Close Relationship

Spielberg and Ford have maintained a close friendship over the years, with the director also known for occasionally playing elaborate pranks on the actor.

While filming “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” Spielberg orchestrated a little surprise for Ford. In one scene, Ford was chained when Barbra Streisand, dressed as a dominatrix, entered and started using her whip. She jokingly chastised the actor for making too much money on “Star Wars.” His “Star Wars” co-star, Carrie Fisher, then appeared in a guard costume and planted a kiss on him. “The Empire Strikes Back” director Irvin Kershner was also involved in the prank and yelled at Streisand.

In another instance, Spielberg pranked Ford on the set of “The Goonies,” in which he served as executive producer. When Ford visited the set, he was surprised to find all of the crew members reading the unauthorized biography that he detested. It turned out that Spielberg purchased hundreds of copies of the book to pull the prank.

Steven Spielberg Said No One Else Can Play Indiana Jones

Ford has reprised his role as Indiana Jones in five movies, with Spielberg directing four of them. In 2015, the director firmly said that no one could replace Ford in his iconic role. “I don’t think that’s ever going to happen… There is only going to be one actor playing Indiana Jones, and that’s Harrison Ford,” he said.

Ford shares the same sentiment. In an appearance on “Today” in 2019, the actor was asked whom he would like to see step into the archaeologist’s shoes. He responded, “Nobody else is going to be Indiana Jones. Don’t you get it? I’m Indiana Jones. When I’m gone, he’s gone.”

The The Surprising Actor Steven Spielberg First Envisioned As Indiana Jones first appeared on The Blast