How Harrison Ford Mutilated Himself To Play Indiana Jones

By Sckylar Gibby-Brown | Updated

Indiana Jones

Harrison Ford has reprised his role of Indiana Jones for the last time in the final film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, released earlier this summer, 42 years after the original Raiders of the Lost Ark hit theaters. While promoting the final movie and the closing of a character that has been near and dear to multiple generations of movie watchers, Ford decided to slip a few secrets about the making of the famous character. According to People, Ford gave away a few wardrobe staples used in the Indy green room, including the reveal that actual staples were used to stick the iconic fedora on his head. 

Harrison Ford reveals that staples were used to keep his fedora atop his head for Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Archival footage from the first Indiana Jones film showcases a young Harrison Ford resorting to an unconventional method to keep his famous pinch-front fedora from flying off. The actor can be seen stapling the hat to his forehead on the set of Raiders of the Lost Ark, exclaiming, “That should do it.”

When discussing the behind-the-scenes footage that revealed Harrison Ford mutilating himself for the iconic role, the 80-year-old actor pointed to a scar near his hairline, showcasing the proof that this actually happened. “You do what you need to do,” the actor said.

The 80-year-old actor pointed to a scar near his hairline, showcasing the proof that this actually happened.

Reflecting on other components of Indiana Jones’ ensemble, Harrison Ford admits to having initial reservations. He explains that he couldn’t understand why a guy as smart as Indy would wear a leather jacket in the sweltering jungle. Also, why would an archeologist carry a whip?

harrison ford indiana jones 5
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones

The actor admitted that these were puzzling elements to him, and he wasn’t initially on board with adding them to the now-classic ensemble. Harrison Ford humorously questioned the practicality of Indiana Jones carrying a whip, wondering, “What am I gonna do with a f—— whip? Are you gonna whip people?”

When Ford was thanked for his portrayal of the adventurous archaeologist, the actor seemed momentarily choked up and sincerely expressed his gratitude in return, acknowledging the significant impact the franchise and its fans had on his life.

Harrison Ford revealed that he was informed by someone in the film’s wardrobe department that the outfit was meant to evoke a particular time period and pay homage to classic movies. So, it didn’t matter if the accessories made sense for the character because it was more about the emotions the ensemble inspired in the movie watchers. Despite his initial doubts, Ford embraced the outfit, making it his own and cementing its status as an iconic costume.

As Harrison Ford embarked on his final journey as Indiana Jones in Dial of Destiny, the experience became an emotional and nostalgic one for fans and the actor alike. When Ford was thanked for his portrayal of the adventurous archaeologist, the actor seemed momentarily choked up and sincerely expressed his gratitude in return, acknowledging the significant impact the franchise and its fans had on his life.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the latest installment in the beloved franchise, is now captivating audiences in theaters. Harrison Ford’s reflections on the character’s wardrobe staples offer fans a glimpse into the creative decisions and challenges behind the iconic Indiana Jones look.

As Ford bids farewell to the adventurous archaeologist, his revelations remind us of the enduring legacy and impact of this beloved film series.