An American Tail to Hocus Pocus: Disney Connection
- The cancellation of NBC's "Magnum PI" remake, a series inspired by the original CBS show starring Tom Selleck, which ran for eight seasons after its debut in December...
- But here's the twist: Had CBS been more flexible in 1980, Selleck might have starred as Indiana Jones in "Raiders of the Lost Ark," released June 12, 1981.
- Steven Spielberg championed Ford from the start, impressed by his performance as Han Solo in "The Empire Strikes Back." Lucas, however, hesitated, wary of repeating collaborations between a...
Discover the engaging story of how Tom Selleck almost became Indiana Jones! this Hollywood what-if explores the “Magnum PI” twist that changed everything, preventing selleck from landing the iconic role in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Learn about casting choices, scheduling conflicts, and the decisions that shaped both a film franchise and a television star’s career. News Directory 3 highlights the pivotal moment when CBS’s decision too greenlight “Magnum PI” altered the course of movie history. Explore the audition footage and hear how Harrison Ford ultimately secured the part. Discover what’s next for the Indiana Jones franchise.
The “Magnum PI” Twist That Cost Tom Selleck “Indiana jones”
Updated May 31, 2025
The cancellation of NBC’s “Magnum PI” remake, a series inspired by the original CBS show starring Tom Selleck, which ran for eight seasons after its debut in December 1980, prompts a look back at a pivotal moment in Hollywood history. The remake, which premiered Sept. 24, 2018, enjoyed four seasons on CBS before its initial cancellation. NBC revived it for a single season before its second cancellation on June 23.
But here’s the twist: Had CBS been more flexible in 1980, Selleck might have starred as Indiana Jones in ”Raiders of the Lost Ark,” released June 12, 1981. This casting near-miss is often glossed over,obscuring the fact that Harrison Ford wasn’t George Lucas’s first choice for the iconic role.
Steven Spielberg championed Ford from the start, impressed by his performance as Han Solo in “The Empire Strikes Back.” Lucas, however, hesitated, wary of repeating collaborations between a single actor and director. Consequently, Mike Fenton’s casting calls for “Raiders” in 1979 included numerous big names—steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Bill murray among them—but not Ford.
The list of comedic actors reflected uncertainty about whether ”Raiders” would be a sincere homage to 1930s and 1940s movie serials or a spoof. Initially,some of the more outlandish set pieces later seen in “Temple of Doom” were slated for “Raiders,” further blurring the line between tribute and parody.
Ultimately, the choice narrowed to Jeff Bridges and Selleck. Bridges, eager for a commercial hit after “Heaven’s Gate,” was willing to sign on for multiple “Indiana Jones” films at a reduced rate. tho,Marcia Lucas,recognizing Selleck’s potential,swayed her husband George toward the relatively unknown actor.
Selleck, then known for pilots that never went to series and guest spots on shows like “The Fall Guy,” suddenly found himself in demand. CBS, sensing an opportunity, greenlit the most recent “Magnum PI” pilot, creating a scheduling conflict that forced Selleck to withdraw from “raiders.”
Bridges, passed over for “Raiders,” quickly landed a role in Disney’s “TRON,” released July 9, 1982.
Footage of Selleck’s “Raiders” audition, featuring Sean Young, can be found online, offering a glimpse into what might have been.
What’s next
As “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” hits theaters, fans can ponder the sliding-doors moment that shaped both a film franchise and a television icon’s career.