Actors Who Almost Became Indiana Jones

By Anadya Narain

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Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones is an icon, but he almost didn't get the part. Here are some actors who almost got the role. 

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7. Chevy Chase

Even without the role of Indiana Jones under his belt, Chase would go on to act in a barrage of comedy roles, notably playing Clark Griswold in four more Vacation movies. 

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6. Nick Nolte

When he got the offer to play Indiana Jones, he declined the part.  He even went on to earn his first Oscar nomination in the Best Actor category for The Prince of Tides

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5. Nick Mancuso

He reportedly met Steven Spielberg four times to audition for the role of Indiana Jones.  but eventually lost the role to Ford.

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4. Jack Nicholson

He turned down the role, he eventually had his lion’s share playing the iconic Joker in Tim Burton’s Batman eight years after the release of Raiders of the Lost Ark.  

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3. John Shea

He was one of the actors considered for the role of Indiana Jones and got screen-tested with his friend, Karen Allen. 

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2. Tim Matheson

In 1980, Tim Matheson auditioned for the role of Indiana Jones as Lucas wanted to cast a lesser-known actor. 

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1. Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck was actually George Lucas’s first choice to play Indiana Jones. While Karen Allen eventually won the role instead.

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