Steven Spielberg is one of the most prolific and talented filmmakers in the history of cinema. Known best for his often box-office charting movies, his fondness for the iconic British spy, James Bond is very well known, so much that he was even willing to direct a film not once but twice.
While rejecting a director like him seems like a crazy decision, that is exactly what happened, twice. However, the rejection resulted in the creation of another iconic and legendary film called Raiders of the Lost Ark. Hugh Jackman, who ironically rejected the role of James Bond, loves the Harrison Ford starrer movie and calls it his favorite film that left him shocked.
Steven Spielberg’s Iconic Movie Is Hugh Jackman’s Favorite
Hugh Jackman and Steven Spielberg are two of the most prolific and venerated personalities in the world of entertainment. Both known for being masters of their respective arts, the two have yet to collaborate after their indirect collaboration on the film Real Steel (via Entertainment Weekly). While a potential collaboration doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon, the two’s connection is iconic for a reason.
While Steven Spielberg was rejected twice by James Bond producers for directing a possible 007 film (via Far Out Magazine), Jackman went on to reject the role himself back in the day (via IndieWire). However, the iconic and legendary film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, which resulted from Spielberg’s rejection from the spy franchise eventually became the Wolverine star’s favorite film.
In an interview with Forbes, from way back in 2010, Jackman stated,
“I was 11 or 12 when I saw it [Raiders of the Lost Ark], I was just floored for days by that, I didn’t know that that was possible.”
Not only that but he also revealed in the same interview how Spielberg’s E.T. touched his father and made him cry, a feat he was shocked to witness.
Raiders of the Lost Ark Was Made After Steven Spielberg Was Rejected From 007 Franchise
Even after all these years, Raiders of the Lost Ark remains one of the most iconic movies of all time, a classic that built up the 2.3 billion dollar Indiana Jones franchise (via The Numbers). While it further boosted Steven Spielberg’s image as a formidable filmmaker, it also made Harrison Ford a household name.
But this iconic movie’s creation was only possible thanks to Spielberg’s rejection of the celebrated James Bond franchise. And it was George Lucas, aka the creator of the Star Wars franchise, who pitched the idea to his good friend Spielberg, while vacationing in Hawaii (via Far Out Magazine).
And from there, unknown to the two genius minds behind the movie, started one of the most followed and fan-favorite franchises that has become a cult classic now. With non-stop action, amazing humor, and Ford’s exceptional performance, the movie and franchise continue to amaze and allure viewers even four decades after its release.
The Indiana Jones franchise can be streamed on Diseny+.
