Tom Selleck Explains Why He Passed on the Role of Indiana Jones
Tom Selleck Missed Out on Indiana Jones Role Due to ‘Magnum, P.I.’
Tom Selleck, now 79, recently shared insights into why he didn’t get to play Indiana Jones, a role famously filled by Harrison Ford. In his new autobiography, You Never Know: A Memoir, he reflects on his unexpected journey through showbiz, stating, “It’s really the story of an accidental career.”
Selleck auditioned for the iconic character of Dr. Henry Walton ‘Indiana’ Jones while waiting to hear if his pilot for Magnum, P.I. would be picked up. He recalled reading for the role in front of director Steven Spielberg and producer George Lucas, saying, “I didn’t feel particularly nervous. I was a big ‘Star Wars’ fan, so I’m sure I brought that up.”
He reminisced about the audition experience, noting, “It was a great diversion from my anxiety over my pilot.” During the audition, he wore Indiana’s hat and leather jacket, which helped him connect with the character.
After a successful audition, Spielberg called Selleck to offer him the role, sharing a script he found “terrific.” However, after reading an exhilarating scene involving a giant boulder chase, Selleck faced a dilemma. He was left “heartbroken” when Magnum, P.I. was picked up, and his contract wouldn’t allow him to take on the Indiana Jones role.
Karen Allen, who starred alongside Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark, revealed that Selleck had originally been cast. She recounted how he later expressed his disappointment about missing the opportunity, saying, “He was heartbroken” when he found out he couldn’t take the role due to his commitment to the series.
