“Tom Selleck’s ‘Magnum, P.I.’ Choice Paved the Way for Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones”
Tom Selleck nearly became Karen Allen’s love interest in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” when she was cast as Marion Ravenwood. According to Allen, Selleck had previously filmed a pilot for “Magnum, P.I.,” which was picked up, binding him to the show and preventing him from taking on the role of Indiana Jones.
“I was already cast as Marion, but Indiana Jones was still uncast,” the 72-year-old actress told Fox News Digital. “The pilot for ‘Magnum, P.I.’ got picked up, and Tom had to fulfill his contract, so he couldn’t play Indiana Jones.”
Allen, reflecting on her long Hollywood career, mentioned this in a recent guest appearance on season 2 of Pure Flix’s “Going Home,” a series that follows nurses in hospice care.
Despite Selleck initially being cast, the role eventually went to Harrison Ford. “It took about a month after Tom’s departure for them to consider Harrison,” Allen said. “They knew him from the ‘Star Wars’ films, and there was concern that audiences might only see Han Solo instead of Indiana Jones. But Harrison pulled it off brilliantly, managing both roles.”
Allen noted that Selleck was not only considered but had actually been cast in the role. “I’ve run into Tom several times since then, and I think he regrets not getting the chance to play Indiana Jones,” she shared.
Allen first met Ford on the set in London and noted their different approaches to acting. “I came from a theater background and was used to rehearsing and collaborating on scenes. Harrison preferred to work more independently, preparing his lines alone in his hotel room.”
Despite their differing methods, Allen and Ford worked closely together for about four months, enjoying their time on set. “We had a lot of fun, and our different working styles didn’t hinder us,” she said. “I had to adapt to working alone, a skill I hadn’t developed before.”
“Raiders of the Lost Ark” earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination and led to several sequels. Allen reprised her role in 2008’s “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” and 2023’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
