Magnum P. I. Star Tom Selleck Claims “CBS Wouldn’t Let Him” Star as Indiana Jones, Hints Regret Harrison Ford Got the Role Instead of Him
Indiana Jones has been among some popular franchises in Hollywood. Starting with the 1981 film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, the series continued with four more films over the next four decades, one of which is set to release in June this year. The 2023 film, titled Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, is set to bring back the star of the film, Harrison Ford as the adventurer and archaeologist.
He has portrayed the character since the 1981 film, and the upcoming film Dial of Destiny is expected to be his last run as the archaeology professor. However, Ford was not always the first choice to portray the character. The American actor Tom Selleck revealed during an interview that he was offered the role before The Fugitive star.
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Tom Selleck Was Offered Indiana Jones Before Harrison Ford
During his interview with BUILD, Tom Selleck shared that he was the first actor to be offered the role of Indiana Jones in Steven Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark. He shared that he was good friends with “Steven and George” at the time and they offered him the role.
However, he was hesitant as he has already signed up for a show called Magnum, P.I. So he told them that he has “done this pilot.” But the makers were happy that the Friends actor did not lie to them and said that they would try and convince the network to let him work in the film.
But CBS did not agree to it. Selleck shared that the offer was on the table for about a month but “CBS wouldn’t let [him] do it.” Selleck also said that he is glad he signed up for Magnum, P.I. as it has been the best thing to ever happen to him.
He said that he is proud to live up to his contract as he said, “It’s not so bad.” Tom Selleck starred as the lead Thomas Magnum in the crime drama. The show ran for eight seasons till 1988 on CBS.
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Harrison Ford Reflects on Tom Selleck Getting Indiana Jones’ Role
During his interview, Tom Selleck also said that Harrison Ford hates to hear that he almost got one of his most popular roles. He said, “Harrison Ford hates to hear this.” But he also assured in her interview that he is incredible as Indiana Jones and he just shared it cause “it’s just an interesting story.”
When The Expendables actor was asked if he has ever considered any other actor who could do better than him. He answered, “Tom Selleck.” He also said that he does not feel bad that he lost his role to him. “No. I feel lucky I got it. But I don’t feel that he’s had an unlucky career. He seems like a happy guy,” Ford said. The Air Force One star is set to appear one last time as the adventurer in the upcoming Indiana Jones film.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is set to release on June 30, 2023.
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Source: BUILD
