“I just didn’t want to go that way”: Harrison Ford Could’ve Easily Replaced Liam Neeson in Schindler’s List, Steven Spielberg Stopped it from Happening
Hollywood legend Harrison Ford has been in the entertainment industry for almost six decades. Although the actor began acting professionally in 1964, he did not have a leading role for more than ten years until his performance in the film American Graffiti. It led to George Lucas giving him the role of Han Solo in the 1977 space opera Star Wars.
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After doing Star Wars, Ford went on to star in several blockbuster films that led him to become a legendary actor in the industry. The Indiana Jones franchise, which began in 1981, contributed to the success of the 81-year-old. However, there was a time when Harrison Ford could have been part of Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film Schindler’s List, but the director stopped it from happening.
Steven Spielberg refused to star Harrison Ford in Schindler’s List
Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg are one of Hollywood’s iconic duo. They have won over admirers with their seamless collaboration. The pair have collaborated on several films, including the highly regarded Indiana Jones series.
Spielberg has helmed many successful films, including the Oscar-winning film Schindler’s List. Ford rose to fame by playing Han Solo in Star Wars. Looking at the fame of the 81-year-old, he could have been part of any film during that time. However, his insurmountable fame lost him an Oscar-winning role, but it looked like the filmmaker had something to do with that.
The Indiana Jones star once refused to star in Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. This led to the director reportedly rejecting Ford for the title role in Schindler’s List. The director later cleared the air that he ruled the Raiders of the Lost Ark star the lead role because he didn’t want a famous star for the part, and it ultimately went to Liam Neeson.
In a chat with Inside Film Magazine Spielberg revealed,
“I didn’t want the distraction of a whole bunch of other movies to cloud this one. It would have been easy — I had the movie stars coming to me for this part. I just didn’t want to go that way.”
There were reports that Harrison Ford thought a Jewish actor should play the part in the film. He even thought his star power would have overshadowed the message conveyed by the film. Liam Neeson eventually got the role who was away from stardom at that time. The film was a box office success that grossed $322 million worldwide and ended up winning 7 out of 12 Oscar nominations.
Also Read: “I made the right choice”: Chris Pratt’s Marvel co-star wanted to replace Harrison Ford in Star Wars
A Look into Harrison Ford’s impressive acting career
Harrison Ford, once regarded as the highest-earning actor of all time, began his career in the early 1960s and struggled in pointless walk-on parts. Ford was choosy about his choices from the beginning, refusing to take any role that came along despite having little Hollywood power. Ford patiently pursued his career, and his persistence paid off when he got a supporting role in George Lucas’ American Graffiti 1973.
The turning point in the 81-year-old’s acting career came with Lucas cast him as the cocky space pirate Han Solo in Star Wars (1977). Ford stopped struggling after that and went on to star in some of the biggest films of the 1980s, such as the crime drama Witness and the genre masterpieces Blade Runner and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Despite a few box office disappointments, the Indian Jones star continued to remain a top box office draw while remaining relevant with a new generation of fans. At the age of 81, Harrison Ford is still a legendary actor in the entertainment industry.
Source: Inside Film Magazine
