Key Takeaways:
– George Lucas initially envisioned Indiana Jones as a soldier of fortune, an opportunist, closely mirroring the Han Solo character.
– Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford took the character in a more moral direction, showing him as a historical activist committed to preserving relics.
– Despite having a different original idea, Lucas ultimately accepted Spielberg and Ford's portrait of Indiana Jones.
The ‘Indiana Jones' Diversified Origins
When we think about Indiana Jones, we see an adventurous professor with a moral compass that points straight to good. Not many know, however, that our beloved archaeologist was initially imagined differently, more like a soldier of fortune, an archaeologist with luxurious inclinations. The man behind this original idea was none other than George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars franchise.
George Lucas and Spielberg's Clash over Indiana Jones
George Lucas' initial vision of Indiana Jones was quite different from what most fans are familiar with today. The Star Wars creator wanted a rogue-like persona, an archaeologist selling his finds to finance an extravagant lifestyle. But Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford had other plans.
As reported in ‘George Lucas: A Life' by Brian Jay Jones, Lucas and Spielberg clashed multiple times over the characterization of Indiana Jones. Spielberg wanted the character to possess noble intentions, while Ford contributed the rugged aspects without making Indiana Jones a total rogue.
Lucas' Objection to the Good-hearted Indiana Jones
Lucas stuck to his original vision till the end, believing Indiana Jones to be a morally ambiguous soldier of fortune. ‘Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade' was the turning point when Spielberg's version of the character, preserving relics for the museum, was shown. Despite this disagreement, Lucas reluctantly accepted Spielberg's version when the argument was settled once and for all.
The Unusual Similarity Between Lucas' Original Indiana Jones and Han Solo
If we compare the initial vision Lucas had for Indiana Jones with the character Han Solo from Star Wars, we find a similarity. Both were opportunists with a motive to make a quick buck. Han Solo's quest isn't much different from what Lucas originally imagined for Indiana Jones. The only difference being Han Solo's character was traditionally in the business for financial gain while Indiana Jones was an archaeologist selling his finds.
However, this comparison opens doors to speculation if Lucas would've followed the same plotline as Star Wars, where the rogue character develops a sense of honor over time, becoming a part of something bigger than himself. Although we can only guess, one can't help but wonder how Indiana Jones could've turned out.
A Changed Version of Indiana Jones We Never Got to See
In the end, Spielberg and Ford's portrayal of Indiana Jones prevailed, with the character embodying a historical activist committed to preserving relics. The original rogue-like soldier of fortune Indiana Jones Lucas envisioned never made it to the big screen, leaving the fans pondering what it could have been like.
One thing is for sure, Indiana Jones remains one of the iconic characters in Hollywood history, thanks to Spielberg, Harrison Ford, and yes, even George Lucas, for his reluctant acceptance of a new vision.
‘Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade,' showcasing this portrayal of Indiana Jones, can also be streamed on Disney+. Despite the differences in imagination, the final embodiment of Indiana Jones remains a character cherished by fans worldwide, and the chronicles of his creation only add to the aura of this unforgettable archaeological legend.
