“Tom Selleck Reveals Spielberg Initially Wanted Him for ‘Indiana Jones’ Before Harrison Ford”

Tom Selleck is reflecting on his career as he prepares for the release of his memoir, You Never Know: A Memoir.

Before making a name for himself, Selleck faced challenges in Hollywood, struggling to find a steady role after taping six pilots. His breakthrough came with Magnum P.I., which solidified his place in the industry.

Following the success of Magnum, Selleck was offered the lead role in Steven Spielberg’s 1981 film, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Spielberg personally extended the offer, asking Selleck to read the script and consider the part.

“I got to about page 8 in Steven’s office and I just went, ‘Oh —-, this is really good,’” Selleck shared on CBS Sunday Morning. Despite his enthusiasm, Selleck had to decline the role due to his commitment to Magnum P.I., a decision he describes in his book as “the World Series of disappointments.”

Looking back, Selleck views the situation with a sense of irony and grace. “You can make yourself a victim or just smile and say, ‘That’s really ironic,’” he reflected. He felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to star as Thomas Magnum for eight successful seasons.

Karen Allen, who played opposite Harrison Ford in Raiders, confirmed Selleck’s initial involvement with the project. She explained that Selleck was bound by a contract to Magnum P.I., which prevented him from taking on the role of Indiana Jones.

In a 2023 interview promoting Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Ford elaborated on how he came to land the iconic role. “Tom Selleck had the job, but he had a commitment to a television series that he couldn’t break,” Ford said. “I became the second choice, and I’m very grateful for Tom.” Ford also revealed that George Lucas, who created both the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, called him to read the script and later arranged a meeting with Spielberg. Ford recalled, “I went over to Steven Spielberg’s house — never having met him before — and about an hour later, I had the job.”

Spielberg and Ford went on to collaborate on the first four Indiana Jones films, cementing Ford’s place in cinematic history.