Disney just dropped a bombshell: The fifth installment of the Indiana Jones saga is making its way to theaters on July 19, 2019. While diehard fans will have to wait a while, the prospect of seeing Harrison Ford reprise yet another classic role (in the wake of The Force Awakens), is the perfect treat for movie geeks and Indy fans alike. Here are ten facts you probably didn’t know about the original Indiana Jones trilogy.
1. There are Star Wars easter eggs?! In Temple of Doom, Indy and crew pass through a little joint called ‘Club Obi Wan’.
Creator George Lucas (the mastermind behind both of these legendary sagas) put this in as an homage to Ford’s appearance in both series.
2. Indiana Jones was originally called “Indiana Smith” and created by George Lucas back in 1973– eight years before the first movie came out.
Smith? Jones? Who would’ve thought that the greatest cinematic adventurer of all time would have such a classic surname?
3. Tom Selleck almost took on the lead role. Selleck, a super famous TV/movie star, also appeared in Friends as Monica’s much-too-old boyfriend, Richard. CRAZY!
We really can’t imagine anyone else but Harrison Ford as Indy…
4. Steven Spielberg originally wanted to do a James Bond movie with George Lucas…but Lucas told him he had a WAY better idea.
And thus Raiders of the Lost Ark was born.
5. Lucas owned an Alaskan malamute named Indiana. The same dog inspired the look for our favorite wookie, Chewbacca.
Basically, we have Indiana the dog to thank for two of the greatest movie characters of all time.
6. Speaking of man’s best friend, Spielberg’s dog inspired the name of the films’ character Willie Scott!
7. Indiana’s real name is Henry.
‘Henry Jones’ just doesn’t have the same ring.
8. The Temple of Doom was the first film to be rated PG-13.
The Motion Picture Association of America formulated this rating because the movie was too mature for small children, but not “adult” enough to ban from older kids. Clearly, it revolutionized the movie industry in a big way…
9. …and was Ford’s favorite movie of the series!
10. The iconic Well of Souls scene used 7,000 live snakes.
That’s a lot of slithering.
