Why Harrison Ford Stands by His Biggest Flop: “I’m Still Happy I Made That Movie”

Harrison Ford is a name that’s become synonymous with action, adventure, and larger-than-life characters. From his iconic role as Han Solo in Star Wars to his portrayal of the fearless archaeologist Indiana Jones, Ford’s career has spanned decades and seen him work alongside some of Hollywood’s finest directors, including Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, and George Lucas. Throughout his illustrious career, Ford has taken on a range of characters, from the brooding Deckard in Blade Runner to charmingly witty antiheroes. But no matter the role, Ford has remained a constant scene-stealer.

However, like all actors, not every project in Ford’s career has been met with critical acclaim. One such film, the 2023 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, marks a rare moment in the veteran actor’s career where things didn’t quite go according to plan.

Directed by James Mangold, Dial of Destiny was expected to be the grand finale to the legendary franchise. The film followed an older Indiana Jones as he nears retirement, struggling to find his place in a rapidly changing world. When an old rival returns, Indy must once again don his hat and whip to ensure a powerful artifact doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Featuring Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen, the film had all the ingredients for success. However, it failed to meet the expectations of many fans and critics, leaving audiences underwhelmed by what was supposed to be a climactic chapter in the Indiana Jones saga.

Despite the lukewarm reception and box-office disappointment, Ford remains remarkably upbeat about the experience. In a candid reflection on the film’s reception, the actor expressed a surprisingly pragmatic and positive outlook: “Shit happens. 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 vigour, to see what happened. I’m still happy I made that movie.”

Ford’s attitude is refreshingly detached from the usual pressures that often weigh on actors when a film doesn’t perform as expected. While the commercial failure of Dial of Destiny was attributed by some to factors like the growing dominance of streaming platforms and studio interference—particularly from Amazon—Ford’s response is rooted in a love for the craft and the story he helped tell.

Rather than being discouraged by negative reactions, Ford demonstrates a healthy approach to the unpredictable nature of filmmaking, emphasizing that his decision to take on the role was motivated by his passion for the character and the opportunity to explore a new dimension of Indy’s journey. “Shit happens,” he shrugs, acknowledging the realities of the industry, but standing firm in his belief that the movie was worth making, regardless of its reception.

In an industry often obsessed with box-office numbers and critical praise, Ford’s mindset offers a valuable lesson for aspiring artists. Too often, the success of a project is measured solely by its external reception, but Ford’s approach reminds us that the joy of creation lies in the work itself. For Ford, it wasn’t about the accolades or the profit—it was about telling a story he believed in, and for that, he remains proud.

In an era where streaming platforms have reshaped how audiences engage with films and studios hold an ever-growing influence over production, Ford’s candid reflections serve as a reminder of the enduring importance of artistry, passion, and personal fulfillment in an industry defined by commercial pressures. “Shit happens,” he says, but for Harrison Ford, the chance to bring Indiana Jones back for one final adventure was never about the outcome—it was about the journey. And that, in itself, is a triumph.