The iconic role of Indiana Jones is inseparable from Harrison Ford, but the 80-year-old actor recently disclosed that he wasn't the initial pick for the adventurous archaeologist. During a press junket for "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," the fifth film in the franchise, Ford explained how he landed the part.

He revealed that Tom Selleck was originally chosen but couldn't accept due to his contractual obligations to the television series "Magnum P.I." This unexpected turn of events paved the way for Ford to become the second choice, a decision he expressed gratitude for.

Ford recounted how George Lucas, the creative force behind both "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones," contacted him urgently, requesting him to read a script within an hour. Following Lucas's instructions, Ford read the script and was subsequently directed to meet with Steven Spielberg, whom he had never met before. Shortly after this meeting, Ford secured the role that would define his career.

Spielberg directed the first four Indiana Jones films, collaborating with Ford to bring the character to life on the big screen. Lucas, in a past interview, expressed his initial hesitation about casting Ford, fearing it might lead to a typecast situation similar to Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. However, Selleck's unavailability due to "Magnum P.I." ultimately led to Ford's casting.

Selleck began his role as Tom Magnum in "Magnum P.I." in 1980, while "Raiders of the Lost Ark," the inaugural Indiana Jones film, premiered in 1981.