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Break from the Grind June 21, 2011
TRIVIAL PURSUITS: What Was Indiana Jones First Called?
June 21, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The lead character in Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (or, simply “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, as it was called when it was originally released) was not called Indiana Jones.
Reported by Nevin E. Adams
What was his original name?
Answer: Indiana Smith
The lead character’s name was changed to Jones on the first day of production.
By the way, according to the Internet Movie Database, Indiana Jones’ name comes from the name of George Lucas’ dog and is a play on Steve McQueen’s eponymous character name in Nevada Smith (1966). Indiana the dog, who was a Malamute, also served as the inspiration for Chewbacca in Star Wars (1977).
In the end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), it is revealed by Indiana’s father that Indiana is really named Henry Jr., but went by the name of his dog, Indiana. So, you might say that he was first called Indiana Smith, but he was first named…Henry.