Would Tom Selleck made a good Indiana Jones?

Would Tom Selleck made a good Indiana Jones? - Op-Ed by Cassam Looch

It's part of movie folklore now, but pictures have been released of Tom Selleck's screen test for Indiana Jones. The TV star was one of the first to be offered the iconic role for 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', but turned it down to see out his contract on 'Magnum P.I'.

In a costume similar to the one that Harrison Ford made his own, Selleck is complete with his own trademark: the moustache that has become his calling card.

The daring adventures of the archaeologist went on to spawn three sequels and countless spin-offs, but would any of that have been possible with Selleck in the lead role?

Producer George Lucas was the man pushing for Selleck, reportedly wanting to opt for an unknown actor rather than some of the established names that had been put forward. He also wanted to avoid casting Ford again, having worked with him on the 'Star Wars' films and 'American Graffiti'.

Director Steven Spielberg, however, knew that Ford would be perfect and when Selleck eventually dropped out Spielberg got his man.

Other names rumoured to be in the frame were Nick Nolte, Steve Martin, Bill Murray and Jack Nicholson. We can't really imagine any of those donning the hat, leather jacket and whip for the series. Or maybe we just don't want to.

Selleck has gone on to find success on the big screen with 'Three Men and a Baby' and its sequel, as well as a few other hits, but nothing matches the one that got away.

Indeed he has tried (and failed) to find other action hero roles in films like 'Quigley Down Under' and 'High Road to China', which mimic the formula perfected by Spielberg, Lucas and Ford. Well perfected for three films anyway.

Ironically, having opted to stick with 'Magnum P.I.', Selleck was left twiddling his thumbs as a writers strike delayed filming by six months... just enough time to have completed 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'.

Surely the video footage of this screen test would be the holy grail for Indiana Jones fans.

http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/blog/article/199532/would-tom-selleck-have-made-a-good-indiana-jones.html