News culture “It’s not for me” Harrison Ford did not star in this cult Steven Spielberg film: he could have earned $1 million by accepting the role
Published on 11/28/2024 at 11:45
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Harrison Ford, Hollywood cinema legend, has built an impressive career around iconic roles like Han Solo and Indiana Jones. However, opportunities could have redefined its trajectory.
The impressive career of Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford is one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood cinema, with a career spanning decades. Born in 1942, he became known worldwide by playing two of the most memorable characters in the history of cinema: Han Solo in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones saga in the eponymous film series. These roles propelled Ford to superstardom. In addition to these franchises, he also made his mark in films such as Blade Runner by Ridley Scott, where he played detective Rick Deckard.
His talent also extends to drama, as evidenced in works such as Witness and About Henry. Still active despite his advanced age, Harrison Ford continues to enrich his impressive filmography, notably with a first entry into the Marvel universe in the role of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, alias Hulk Rougewhich is already getting a lot of attention. However, the actor could have taken a different direction in his career if he had followed Steven Spielberg
Fed up with his role
In 1981, when Steven Spielberg was preparing his adaptation of Michael Crichton's novel Jurassic Park, he had a clear idea for playing Dr. Alan Grant: Harrison Ford. With his experience as a hero-adventurer in Indiana Jones, Ford seemed cut out for this role. Spielberg had even prepared a surprise to try to convince him, but without success.
“I went to the art department and asked them to do a photorealistic painting of a T-Rex chasing Harrison and two children. I sent him the photo with the script. The next day I got a call and he said, “It’s not for me, mate.” That was the end of the conversation,” Spielberg told Entertainment Weekly.
If Jurassic Park became a global phenomenon, grossing more than $900 million and launching a legendary franchise, Harrison Ford was pursuing a different trajectory. In 1993, he shone in The Fugitiveplaying Richard Kimble, a doctor wrongly accused of murdering his wife. This thriller, well received by critics and the public, is among the successes of his career, although its impact does not rival that of Spielberg's film. Ford has nonetheless shown flair in its choice of projects, seeking above all to move away from its image as an adventurer, which is understandable. His rejection of Jurassic Park, however, allowed Sam Neill to shine, and Ford readily admits that Neill surpassed what he could have done.
