Harrison Ford is synonymous with legendary films and franchises such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. However, the actor nearly became part of another iconic franchise, Jurassic Park, which surprised Disclosure Day actress Emily Blunt. Jurassic Park director Steven Spielberg revealed Ford's connection to the beloved dinosaur franchise as he spoke about his original vision for the film. 

Unknown to many fans, Ford came quite close to playing one of the movie’s most important and memorable characters.

During an interview with Josh Horowitz, Steven Spielberg was asked whether Harrison Ford had turned down an offer to star in the original Jurassic Park. When the director confirmed that he had, Emily Blunt, who was seated beside him, reacted with visible shock. The same expression was shared by Josh O'Connor, who was sitting on Spielberg's other side. When Blunt asked whether he had been upset by Ford's decision, the director admitted that he was devastated.

"I wasn't crossed. I was crushed," he said.

As it turns out, Harrison Ford was Spielberg's first choice to play Dr. Alan Grant. While the director acknowledged that Ford was his preferred pick, he also praised Sam Neill for stepping into the role and showing a performance that remains memorable to this day. O'Connor agreed, adding that it is difficult to imagine anyone else playing Dr. Alan Grant. 

It remains unclear why Ford declined the role. But in a previous interview with Entertainment Weekly, Spielberg revealed that he had sent Ford the script, the novel, and a photorealistic painting of a T. rex chasing the archaeologist character with Ford's face imposed on it alongside two children. Despite the effort, Ford ultimately called Spielberg and turned down the offer. 

"The next day I got a call, and he said, 'This is not for me, pal.' That was the end of the conversation," Spielberg said.

Idris Elba Addresses Decade-Long James Bond Rumors With a Surprising Admission

While Ford's near-involvement with Jurassic Park is surprising, there is another equally unexpected connection between Spielberg and the James Bond franchise.

During the same interview with Josh Horowitz, Steven Spielberg revealed that he had pitched himself twice to direct a James Bond movie. The first time came after the success of Jaws, and he made another attempt following the success of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. However, both requests were turned down. When a surprised Emily Blunt asked about the reason, the Disclosure Day director explained that the producers already had directors lined up for the franchise.  

"He just said, "We have our own we have our own stable of directors we go to," Spielberg said.

Considering Spielberg's impressive record of commercially successful films and his talent for making adventure movies, it is intriguing to imagine what a James Bond movie directed by him might have looked like. Although Spielberg never got the opportunity to helm a Bond film, he went on to direct several iconic cinematic masterpieces. ANthat made him one of Hollywood's most influential filmmakers.

James Bond vs. Reacher vs. John Wick: Modern Action Heroes Dominating Genres

Did you know that Steven Spielberg's first choice for Jurassic Park was Harrison Ford? Let us know in the comments.