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Actor Tom Selleck recently finished his long stint as Commissioner Frank Reagan on the hit police procedural seriesBlue Bloods. However, he is also known for playing Thomas Magnum in the 1980s crime-drama seriesMagnum, P.I. The series caused Selleck to turn down theIndiana Jonesfranchise despite being the first choice for the title role.
During an interview, Selleck reflected on being offered the role that eventually went to Harrison Ford. The actor recalled having just shot the pilot for the crime-drama series that turned him into a household name, which had him turn down the movie. Selleck revealed the exact moment he realized the first installment was going to be a hit and here is what he had to say about losing out on it.
Tom Selleck revealed theIndiana Jonesscene that had him sold on the role
ActorTom Selleckwas a relatively unknown face when he shot the pilot for the CBS crime-drama seriesMagnum, P.I., which ran for eight seasons and catapulted Selleck to stardom. However, at the same time, he was also offered the role ofIndiana Jonesin 1981’sRaiders of the Lost Ark.
During a recent interview withEsquire, Selleck reflected on being offered the titular role inSteven Spielbergand George Lucas’ soon-to-be multi-billion dollar franchise. The actor revealed reading the script and being convinced it would be good.
I got to about page eight, where the boulder is rolling down the hill after Indiana Jones, and I just said, ‘Oh, shit. This is really good.’
Selleck made the above statement, revealing that he was blown away after reading the initial script forRaiders of the Lost Ark.
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As a result, Selleck had a hard time letting go of the role as he had already shot the pilot forMagnum. Selleck admitted that he was disappointed by having to turn downthe role of the now-famous archeologist/adventurer. However, the actor admitted that he could watch Harrison Ford in the role without any pangs whatsoever.
Tom Selleck explained why he couldn’t doIndiana JonesandMagnum, P.I.at the same time
During the same interview, Selleck explained the difficult situation he found himself in after being offered the lead role inRaiders of the Lost Ark. The Blue Bloods actor revealed that he shared his predicament with Lucas and Spielberg who held out the offer for six more weeks.
However, Selleck revealed that the duo’s interest in him onlymade CBS wantMagnum, P.I.even more. As a result, he discussed the possibility of doing both roles but such a solution was unacceptable to the network who felt that he would end up quitting the series after becoming a movie star.
They didn’t want a movie star doing a series. ‘He’ll quit the series.’ I never would have done that, but I can’t really blame their thinking.
Selleck made the above statement, explaining why he couldn’t say yes to both roles despite being interested in pursuing the role of Indiana Jones.
“They have a problem”: Tom Selleck’s ‘Blue Bloods’ Wouldn’t Exist if ‘The Sopranos’ Hadn’t Fired its Key Writers
Ultimately, Selleck had to turn the role but admitted that it proved to be less of a bummer asMagnum, P.I.was a huge hit on television. As a result, the actor viewed the hit series as a good consolation prize for losing out on the billion-dollar franchise.
TheIndiana Jonesmovies are streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1773
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
