The Indiana Jones franchise has charmd audiences for decades with its thrilling blend of action, exploration, and discovery. However, behind the daring adventures and awe-inspiring archaeological finds lies a complex web of influences and inspirations. At the heart of the mystique surrounding Indiana Jones lies the truth that the franchise is not based on factual accuracy, but rather a creative amalgamation of various sources.
One of the primary inspirations for Indiana Jones is Harry Steele, played by Charlton Heston, in the 1954 film Secret of the Incas. Deborah Nadoolman, Academy Award-nominated costume designer, confirmed that Indy’s iconic look was directly inspired by Heston’s character. The film’s wardrobe, storyline, and plot beats share striking similarities with Raiders of the Lost Ark, further solidifying the connection.
However, Indiana Jones’ visual cues aren’t the only sources of influence. Ben Aldis from CBR pointed out that the 1943 film China, starring Alan Ladd, features a charismatic adventurer with a fedora and leather jacket, defining the classic Hollywood look of an explorer. This cinematic template has been built upon and expanded to create the iconic image of Indiana Jones.
A Still From Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Photo: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade)
Beyond the visual world, Indiana Jones’ plot parallels Secret of the Incas and other earlier films. Both stories feature a daring archaeologist, a self-serving companion-turned-traitor, and a race against a rival. This is where the real-life inspiration for Indiana Jones comes in. Professor Hiram Bingham III, who rediscovered Machu Picchu, is the indirect inspiration for cinema’s most famous archaeologist.
Hiram Bingham III was a history lecturer at Yale University in the early 1900s who later specialized in history and went on to seek out the last capitals of the Inca Empire. His research and expeditions would later influence the creation of Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark. As historian Christopher Heaney summarized, “Indiana Jones is not Hiram Bingham, but Hiram Bingham was used to create this set of characters and set of situations in Secret of the Incas that then influenced the creation of Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
The intrigue surrounding Indiana Jones’ character is slowly unraveling, revealing a complex world of influences and inspirations. While the truth behind Indy’s origins may not be entirely grounded in the experiences of a single person, the mystery is slowly being shed, much like the layers of dust from an ancient relic.
