Harrison Ford has been playing Indiana Jones in the film series of the same name for more than 40 years, but he's said to have not actually been the first choice for the role.
The actor, now 80, made his debut as Dr. Henry 'Indiana' Jones Jr. in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), which introduced the archaeologist, who has since appeared in four sequels.
This includes Harrison reprising the role in the latest instalment in the film series, the Dial of Destiny (2023), which is expected to be his final outing as the beloved character.
Fans may find it hard to believe that he was "second choice" to play the role when casting was underway for Raiders of the Lost Ark, with another actor having been lined up.
Tom Selleck, now 78, is said to have been offered the role by creator George Lucas, now 79, and director Steven Spielberg, now 76, first after having screen tested for it.
He reportedly auditioned for Raiders of the Lost Ark after having filmed the pilot for CBS series Magnum, P.I., in which he played the titular private investigator Thomas Magnum.
It's claimed the network wouldn't let him do both and Tom's said to have had a "series commitment" to Magnum, P.I. which ultimately meant he didn't end up being Indiana Jones. Instead, Harrison was offered the leading role in the film.
Discussing the situation in what appears to be a featurette for the film, George is quoted as having said in an interview in 2003 that Tom's screen test "turned out really well".
Steven is quoted as having said the same year: "George and I pretty much went after Tom". He added that CBS told them Tom had a series commitment to Magnum, P.I. though.
It's understood that Harrison - who had already played Han Solo in the two Star Wars films by then - had initially been considered for the role anyway but was only offered it after Tom was unable to do it.
George told Empire some years ago that he'd initially been "wary" of casting Harrison as he'd already been in some of his films. He said he'd initially wanted to "create a new icon".
Tom has himself spoken about the situation, saying on the Rachael Ray Show in 2020: "I didn't turn it down. I earned the part. I did a screen test and [was offered the part]".
The actor said he made it known that he had just filmed a pilot and wasn't sure if it would be a "conflict," adding during the interview: "CBS basically said 'no, you can't do both'."
He however continued: "Well it isn't the worst thing that ever happened." Tom also took the opportunity to discuss Harrison, saying that he "kinda did a good job".
Tom told BUILD in 2017: "I mean, look, I signed a deal for Magnum [P.I.] and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm proud that I lived up to my contracts".
Harrison has also spoken about being "second choice" for the role, telling Yahoo Entertainment last month that he wasn't aware Tom had read the script at the time.
He said: "I didn't know that it was a script that someone else had read and was unable to take the job of [Indy] because of a contract [...] But I was very enthusiastic about [it]".
And he even thanked Tom while promoting the new film, saying during an interview with Deadline: "I became the second choice [because Tom couldn't do the film] and I'm very grateful for Tom." He added: "Thank you Tom."
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