Indiana Jones 5 was a box office financial failure, yet Harrison Ford is happy the film was made
Harrison Ford has long been regarded as an icon of action cinema, but he has another side as well – he is a practical man, a craftsman, and an aviation enthusiast. At 83 years old and still actively working in the film industry, he decided to create a private workshop in his home, rekindling a part of his old passion for tinkering.
Ford’s Home workshop
The lack of tools at home had become a source of frustration for Ford, so he persuaded his wife, actress Calista Flockhart, to relinquish one of the parking spots for his needs. A small yet functional workshop was set up there, equipped with portable construction tools.
“They ask, ‘What are you making?’ ”Ford said. He squinted his eyes and slowed his words, like Han Solo explaining something to Luke Skywalker: “I don’t know. I’m making a shop! ‘What are you going to do with it?’ Whatever needs to be done. But I have my tools and now I can do it.”
For Ford, the workshop is not just a place for repairs—it’s a symbol of independence and the ability to take action, combining the characteristics of both an artistic studio and a craft workshop. It’s here that the actor is reminded of his roots; before he became a star, he was a manual laborer who valued practical skills.
This space isn’t only for hands-on work—it’s also where he reads scripts and prepares for his roles.
Evacuation and a new perspective on the craft of acting
At the beginning of the year, Ford had to leave his home in Brentwood due to the fires in Los Angeles. A week later, he returned to his surviving residence, but the situation prompted him to reflect on the transience of everything—including his acting career.
Ford has never considered himself an artist. “It’s a craft like any other,” he says. He does not view his profession solely through the lens of spectacular action scenes or flashy cinematic sequences. For him, acting is a method of work whose core is a systematic, almost craft-like creative process. He compares his approach to that of a plumber assembling pipes or a horse pulling a load—a process in which every element, though seemingly minor, is essential to the whole. His approach to acting is practical and methodical. Perhaps that is why his characters—from Han Solo to Indiana Jones—feel so authentic.
New challenges: television and Marvel
For decades, Ford was primarily associated with blockbuster films, but recent years have brought new challenges, and television has become a playground for experimenting with form and content. He is currently appearing in two series: 1923, the prequel to Yellowstone, and Shrinking, in which he portrays a therapist battling Parkinson’s disease.
““I think to myself, Why am I laughing and there’s a tear rolling down my eye? What the f— is going on here?” Ford admits, describing the intensity of working on his new roles.For him, each project is like an emotional workout that helps him discover new facets of himself and expand the boundaries of creative expression.
His role in Shrinking has shown a new side of Ford. Initially, his character was meant to be just a grumpy mentor, but Ford infuses the part with warmth and humor.
Did the plane crash he experienced in 2015 change his approach? “That was how I was after the accident” Mirren remarked on the set of 1923 while they were filming a scene in which his character is severely injured.
He even surprised himself by finding joy in the long-term process of building a character on television.
“It’s a surprise every time the script comes out" he confesses.
“Something rather magical has happened to Harrison, especially with his history of, you know, being the dude, the bloke, the fabulous action guy, the funny guy, the cool guy." says his on-screen partner, Helen Mirren. “Now there’s this open road to his inner feelings, which he is absolutely unafraid of expressing.”
He has also taken on a challenge in the Marvel Universe. In Captain America: Brave New World, he will portray a general who becomes the President of the USA—Thaddeus Ross. Ford even accepted the role without reading the script.
“I didn’t know that eventually I’d turn into the Red Hulk,” he jokes.
His involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a significant step in his career, as the MCU is one of the largest and most profitable franchises in cinema history. Ford doesn’t hide that his decision to join Marvel was driven by his fascination with the project, the prospect of big money, and the desire to work with talented creators and actors. Even though many of his contemporaries criticize modern superhero films, Ford approaches it with a mix of detachment and openness.
The Indiana Jones failure
Despite his deep sentimental attachment to the role of Indiana Jones, his latest film in the series—Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny—turned out to be a financial disappointment. The production, despite its enormous budget, failed to meet box office expectations, much to the actor’s dismay.
“Shit happens,” Ford said. “I was really the one who felt there was another story to tell. When [Indy] had suffered the consequences of the life that he had to live, I wanted one more chance to pick him up and shake the dust off his ass and stick him out there, bereft of some of his vigor, to see what happened.”
Even with the film’s lukewarm reception, Ford emphasizes that he does not regret returning to the role and is proud of his latest portrayal of his legendary character.
Flying – Ford’s second passion
In addition to his acting career and love for tinkering, Harrison Ford has long nurtured a passion for flying. His aviation hangar, located near LAX at a municipal airport, is a place where passion, history, and technology come together. In the spacious hall bathed in natural light, the actor showcases a unique collection of aviation memorabilia—from a glass trinket from a museum in Toronto to a display case featuring Han Solo’s laser pistol.
Aviation offers Ford more than just the ability to travel quickly—it’s primarily a way to escape everyday life and gain a fresh perspective. “ou see history. You see the actual physical history of how places grew up, where people are living” he emphasizes, describing the extraordinary freedom that flying provides. Even mundane aspects, like having to stop every two and a half hours to “stretch your legs” or attend to other needs, become part of the adventure.
Ford often remarks that working with machines that require constant practice and discipline is like having a second profession—one that helps him stay in shape and maintain focus.
Ford and the future of cinema
Harrison Ford has also long been involved in social and environmental causes. As a board member of Conservation International for 33 years, he spares no effort in drawing attention to the problems facing our planet. His famous speeches at international summits, including at the UN—where he reminded everyone that “When a room in your house is on fire you don’t say, ‘There’s a fire in a room in my house,’ you say, ‘My house is on fire.’ And we only have one house.”—serve as a powerful appeal for global environmental responsibility.
Ford stresses that caring for the Earth is a personal matter—a bond that connects him with people around the world. His actions, both in diplomacy and in local initiatives, show that even film icons can have a profound impact on the debate about our planet’s future. In an era when social media often oversimplifies messages, the actor prefers working behind the scenes, focusing on tangible outcomes and dialogue with international leaders.
In light of the growing role of technology, Ford does not hide his concerns about the future of acting—especially regarding the use of artificial intelligence to create digital replicas of actors. His stance is clear: “You don’t need artificial intelligence to steal my soul. You can already do it for nickels and dimes with good ideas and talent,” he said, referring to the 2024 Indiana Jones video game in which another actor, Troy Baker, lent his voice and portrayed the character using motion capture technology to create a computerized version of the hero.
“He did a brilliant job, and it didn’t take AI to do it.” Ford added.