Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones: Tom Selleck audtion

Showing posts with label Tom Selleck audtion. Show all posts

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Screen Junkies remember Tom Selleck as Indy

From an article: "8 Classic Characters That Were Almost Played By Someone Else" Screen Junkies mention the original selection of Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones: Playing a globe-trotting archeologist who tangles with Nazis and other villains to obtain mystical artifacts turned Harrison Ford into an action superstar after his earlier turn as Han Solo in “Star Wars.” Ford was a last minute replacement after Tom Selleck was forced to turn down the role. Selleck was under contract with “Magnum P.I.” when he was cast to play Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Selleck was unable to get out of his contract in time to shoot the movie, so director Steven Spielberg went with Ford in his place.

http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-lists/8-classic-characters-that-were-almost-played-by-someone-else/

Monday, June 13, 2011

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

Sunday, June 12, 2011

WATCH: Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones

Video Clip of the Tom Selleck audition as Indiana Jones

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Tom Selleck "haunted" by Indiana Jones role?

Tom Selleck as Indiana Jones?

It almost happened.

The handsome mustachioed star was offered the iconic role back in 1981, but was forced to turn it down due to a recently signed contract with Universal Studios - the hut TV series "Magnum P.I."

“We ended up doing a screen test with Tom Selleck and Sean Young and it was really, really good,” George Lucas said in an interview. “They’re both terrific actors and it turned out really well.”

Instead, the 6’3” actor went on to play detective Thomas Magnum on the ‘80s hit, “Magnum P.I.”

Ironically, Selleck would have had time plenty of time to film “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” due to a six-month writer’s strike.

The Daily Mail reports that Selleck, now 66, is "haunted" by the missed opportunity which help make Harrison Ford famous.

Sure, Selleck did ok.

But "Three Men and a Baby", "Her Alibi", "Blue Blood" and several other roles doesn't ease the pain of the success missed with the Indy franchise.