Tom Selleck’s Journey to Almost Becoming Indiana Jones
One of the biggest film franchises could have been very different, thanks to TV detective Magnum PI. Harrison Ford made his debut as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark, in 1981, and has never looked back, leading the way in a further four films. However, it turns out that Tom Selleck was originally set to take on the role of the iconic adventurer before turning the job down.
Tom Selleck’s Decision
Opening up about his career in an extract from his upcoming memoir, You Never Know, the actor revealed that he chose to lead the way on Magnum PI instead. Amid the pages, Tom explained that he read for Indiana in front of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, but didn’t feel hugely nervous at the time – he was more worried about whether the pilot for his series would work out.
The Audition
‘I got there, and Steven was quick to greet me, gave me the pages for the test, told me not to worry and to take all the time I needed,’ Tom shared. ‘There was wardrobe waiting for me. The hat and leather jacket helped me understand the period.’
Tom’s Impression on Spielberg and Lucas
Unsurprisingly, Tom impressed the pair and nailed the audition, with the Hollywood legends handing him the role soon after. ‘I think it was Steven who told me. George had always been kinda quiet. Always thinking, taking things in. But I think I detected at least the hint of a smile on his face,’ Tom continued.
The Turning Point
Tom was given the entire script and connected to Indy’s character immediately, branding the entire thing ‘fantastic’ – but shared that he was still waiting for an update on Magnum PI. ‘All of this was going to be, how do I put it, complicated. Extremely complicated,’ he added.
The Final Decision
While he was considering the role, Magnum PI was officially picked up, and he was due to begin shooting the CBS series immediately, meaning Harrison Ford was drafted in for Indy. And the rest, of course, is history.
Tom Selleck’s Legacy
Tom starred as Thomas Magnum for eight seasons before the series ended in May, 1988. Following this, he also delighted audiences in various roles in Friends, Blue Bloods, and Las Vegas. Harrison Ford eventually took on the role of Indiana Jones and continued the legacy of the character.
Harrison Ford’s Gratitude
Appearing at the Taormina Film Festival last year, Harrison thanked Tom for taking on Magnum PI, allowing him to step into the shoes of Indiana Jones. ‘How I got the job? Tom Selleck had the job, but he also incurred an obligation to do a television series and he was unable to get out of that contract,’ Harrison shared during a panel discussion.
The End of an Era
Harrison confirmed that the latest Indiana Jones film, Dial Of Destiny, would be the final installment in the series. ‘This is the last time I’ll play the character. I anticipate that it will be the last time that he appears in a film,’ he stated.