How Tom Selleck's CBS Contract Cost Him the Role of Indiana Jones in 1981

More than four decades after its release, Raiders of the Lost Ark remains one of the most celebrated action-adventure films ever made, even ranking among IMDb's greatest adventure movies of all time. But before Harrison Ford made the fedora and bullwhip iconic, another Hollywood star already landed the role.

According to director Steven Spielberg, Tom Selleck was originally cast to play Indiana Jones in 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark. The filmmakers wanted him, offered him the part, and expected him to lead the film, until a television contract changed movie history.

Speaking on a recent episode of the IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson podcast, Spielberg recalled that both he and franchise creator George Lucas agreed Selleck was the right actor for the job.

"We wanted Tom. We gave Tom the part," Spielberg said. The director added that Selleck impressed them throughout the audition process.

"He came in, and he read for the part. He was good. His test was good. I loved it."

Why Tom Selleck Was Forced To Turn Down 'Indiana Jones'

Despite landing the coveted role, Selleck was already under contract with CBS after filming the pilot for Magnum, P.I. As Spielberg explained, neither he nor Lucas realized just how quickly the network intended to move forward with the series.

"When they heard we wanted Tom, they immediately put Magnum P.I. into production, preempting Tom from being in Indiana Jones," Spielberg said.

In his 2024 memoir, You Never Know, Selleck recalled receiving a call from Spielberg informing him that he won the role.

"We want you to play Indiana Jones."

Selleck loved the script and wanted to accept, but CBS refused to release him from his contract.

"They said, 'We'll work it out and you can do both,'" Selleck later told TODAY. "And the more they wanted me, the more CBS said, 'No, we don't want to let him do it.'"

Looking back, Spielberg joked there was one other change he would have required if Selleck had starred in the film.

"I wouldn't have let him have a mustache," Spielberg said with a laugh. "Maybe if the films were as successful, he could have demanded the mustache."

Harrison Ford Became an Icon

With Selleck no longer available, Spielberg suggested Harrison Ford after watching an early cut of The Empire Strikes Back. George Lucas initially hesitated because audiences already knew Ford as Han Solo, but Spielberg believed the actor could successfully create another legendary character.

In true Spielberg fashion, he was right.

Released in 1981, Raiders of the Lost Ark became a critical and commercial success, won five Academy Awards, and launched one of Hollywood's most enduring franchises. Ford has never forgotten how close he came to missing out on the role.

"He was unable to get out of that contract," Ford said of Selleck in 2023. "I became the second choice, and I'm very grateful for Tom."

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published July 19, 2026 at 12:25 AM.