10 Movies Probably Made Out Of Spite

9. Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Glass James McAvoy
Paramount Pictures

As much as George Lucas has confirmed time and time again that the Indiana Jones franchise was inspired by the adventure serials he and director Steven Spielberg grew up watching, there is an altogether dishier rationale for the series' existence.

Prior to the creation of Indy, Spielberg was incredibly eager to direct a James Bond film, even directly approaching Bond producer Cubby Broccoli after the release of Jaws, though Broccoli thought he wasn't a good fit to helm Bond.

Spielberg tried again after the release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind two years later, but was knocked back because his asking price was now too high.

At this point Spielberg declared, "Forget it," and while stewing over the double rejection was persuaded to direct Raiders of the Lost Ark, which George Lucas pitched to him as "better than James Bond."

Spielberg was quickly sold, deeming the concept "a James Bond film without the hardware," and after a few tweaks - namely changing the character's surname from Smith to Jones - it was a done deal.

The film's immediate critical and commercial success launched a phenomenally successful IP, and to rub salt in the wound, Raiders of the Lost Ark trounced new Bond film For Your Eyes Only at the 1981 box office.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.