As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for delving into the behind-the-scenes stories that often shape the silver screen, I must say the tale of Tom Selleck and Indiana Jones is one that has left an indelible mark on my cinematic consciousness. The close call between Magnum P.I. and the whip-cracking hero was a rollercoaster ride of what-ifs and could-have-beens, and it’s a story that resonates deeply with me, having spent countless hours immersed in the annals of Hollywood history.
You may have heard the story before: if things had gone differently, Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones might have been played by Tom Selleck instead of Harrison Ford. Ford addressed the Raiders of the Lost Arc outcome only last year, and Selleck himself wrote about it in his recent biography, You Never Know: A Memoir.
On a bright, Sunday afternoon, I stumbled upon a book, and to my amazement, it contained tales about BTS related to Tom Selleck’s National Guard service, as well as intriguing behind-the-scenes stories about Mae West and the TV series “Lancer,” which Selleck humorously notes is now remembered primarily due to a mention in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” However, what truly stood out for me was the revelation of Tom Selleck’s near-miss as Indiana Jones. In fact, it was so close that Steven Spielberg informed him he had landed the role!
Previously, I returned is one way to paraphrase “So back I went.
He landed the role. He thought it was a sure thing. So what happened?
What Happened With Magnum P.I. And Indiana Jones, According To Tom Selleck
Following Sean Young’s audition, Tom Selleck was given the part instead, a decision that wasn’t made immediately. He then brought up his CBS pilot titled Magnum to Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. At first, it didn’t appear significant, but as he hung in the balance for both the film and TV show, Selleck felt like he was playing in a “World Series of waits.” The title change to P.I. came later.
The worst case scenario happened. While Selleck was in limbo, the two famous moviemen did keep the offer on the table for more than a month. Then Magnum P.I. continued moving forward and the head honcho at CBS Bob Daly flat out told the directors his new, shiny TV actor couldn’t say yes to both. He was worried Selleck would jump ship to the big screen, according to Selleck. The actor’s own feelings on the matter?
I didn’t feign happiness about the Raiders’ departure, nor did I see myself as a victim. Regardless of whether I believed CBS made a mistake – and I do – it didn’t mean I was wronged. Life isn’t always fair, but I could still choose to be positive. The contract for Magnum wasn’t forced upon me; at that point in my career, it represented the best opportunity I’d had in a dozen years as an actor.
The narrative didn’t conclude there, though. Subsequently, the longest Hollywood strike took place, led by the Screen Actors Guild. During that period, Selleck was enjoying a new residence in Hawaii, but the strike caused some discontent regarding the turn of events.
What Happened After Harrison Ford Was Cast As Indiana Jones
As Selleck adjusted to living in Hawaii, Harrison Ford secured the part of the Indiana Jones character wielding a whip. It’s interesting to note that during the tumultuous period when the Screen Actors Guild was on strike, production for Indiana Jones was permitted to continue. The actor from Magnum P.I., in his memoir You Never Know, shared the one instance in this story that came close to overwhelming him, yet he strove to maintain a positive outlook on the situation.
He said one day he was eating breakfast during the strike when he saw the headline: ‘Spielberg to Finish Movie in Hawaii.’ They’d work out a deal to film the movie in the midst of the strike when Selleck was off Magnum P.I. anyway. He wrestled with the frustration of the entire deal and wrote in his book he tried very hard to distract himself from losing the role, buying a surfboard (and surfing unsuccessfully) and more. He wrote of that time:
As a movie critic, I had an idea that could have transformed Mr. Frustration into a formidable adversary on screen. However, I chose to dismiss this notion initially. But alas, the final days of Raiders’ shooting in that month arrived, and the Screen Actors Guild Strike was an imminent reality. I could no longer ignore the potential collaboration as it would have allowed me to contribute to both projects simultaneously. A missed opportunity, indeed.
It wasn’t until much later in his career that Tom Selleck managed to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry. At age 35, when Magnum P.I. was picked up for a series, he admitted to grappling with the challenges of fame once he became successful.
Despite some initial struggles, he eventually found success in Hollywood, securing major roles in films like “Three Men and a Baby” and TV series such as “Friends,” “Las Vegas,” and most recently “Blue Bloods.” He also starred in the “Jesse Stone” movies, which he hopes to revive. This career path allowed him to purchase and manage his renowned avocado farm, among other things, without relying on the “Indy” series’ earnings.
But it’s hard to sometimes not look back and think about what could’ve, would’ve, should’ve been.
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2024-12-24 16:37