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Indiana Jones and the hunt for memorabilia: No. 1 fan Harrison Ford scoops up his own action figures
Last updated at 23:59pm on 13.05.08It appears no one is more excited about the upcoming release of the latest Indiana Jones installment than its leading man, Harrison Ford.
The greying actor was spotted carrying a stack of his own action figures - including a fedora-clad Mr Potato Head - while out in Los Angeles yesterday as he prepares to return to the big screen in his signature role for the first time in 19 years.
Harrison has again pulled on his his leather jacket and picked up his bullwhip for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which will premiere for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18.
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Biggest fan: Harrison Ford was spotted carrying Indiana Jones toys during an outing in LA yesterday
The new film is set at the height of the Cold War in 1957, meaning Ford's character has aged in real time.
Harrison has hit back at claims that at almost 66, he's too old to play an action hero.
He says: "I don't see him that way. He's involved in action, but it's kind of a fantasy adventure-come-action thing.
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Balancing act: the actor, who turns 66 in July, had put his action hero skills to work juggling toys and coffees
"Part of it is genetic, part of it is a willingness to work hard to keep myself in the best shape for an old f*rt.
He adds that his 7-year-old son Liam, whom he adopted with his wife Calista Flockhart, also keeps him feeling youthful.
"I don't pretend to be anything I am not age wise, but Liam keeps me feeling connected to this growing and maturing process which is so much fun."
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He's back: Harrison is returing to the big screen with Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which also stars Shia LaBeouf
Spielberg says he had no hesitation about the actor's age: "Harrison became Indiana Jones in a millisecond. He came on set, he donned the hat and everything came with it ... he brought all this back to life as if no time had elapsed since the third movie."
Exact plot details have been kept under wraps, although it is known that the film is set during the Cold War, with Jones attempting to track down an ancient skull with mystical powers from an Amazonian temple.
The film also stars Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf and Ray Winstone.
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Reader views (5)
These pictures of Ford scrambling for his own merchandise from the movie totally crack me up- it's like, "Hell yeah, he's excited!" Imagine what a kick in the head this would be for any actor of this calibre who's had any number of action figures and likenesses made of themselves- pretty damn strange, but I'm glad to see Ford taking it in stride and actually having fun with it. As a child of the 70's, Star Wars and Indiana Jones have been staples of my life, and I'm totally excited to see Indy return to the big screen. I completely concur with the notion that these movies don't necessitate a young hero to keep the plot moving- so long as Ford wants to throw some fists I'll be along for the ride!
- Matt Amy, Orange, CA
Who CARES how old he is! It's Harrison Ford doing Indy!
- Sharon, Singapore
I think most people, especially anyone in their late twenties onward, are aware of just how big a deal it is that Indiana Jones is about to return to the silver screen in an all-new adventure. What is most exciting about this movie is that Harrison Ford is back in the fedora and leather jacket. The man looks amazing, period. Therefore, any debate or concern about his age is frankly ridiculous. The character of Indiana Jones is a college professor. Who in their right mind would begrudge a 65-year old archaeology scholar, or expect them to stop taking trips in search of rare artefacts? It would be highly more unbelievable if the film-makers had made the choice to go with a younger actor. Judging someone's merit or ability to do their job based on age, is not only wrong in my book, it is sick. To each their own, but I for one cannot wait to see Indy 4. For that matter, I hope they do a whole new trilogy with Indy hunting lost relics and fighting Ruskies in the 1950's. Welcome back, Dr. Jones. You've been missed!
- Sean Michael Teague, Dallas, TX
Can anyone really imagine anyone else as Indiana Jones? Come on! Harrison Ford looks great , and keeps himself in shape. No one had an issue with the original Star Trek characters reprising their roles over and over again. With Indiana Jones at least its about quality not quantity. They haven't killed it to death in other words. They could have made one after another after another. This long wait makes everything seem fresh and new. I for one am glad they waited for something that could be a quality piece of entertainment. I for one want to know how an older Indiana Jones has changed and yet remained somewhat the same. Indiana Jones isn't like other characters his knowledge and ability to adapt are just as important as his physical prowess. Maybe even more so now. Sean Connery came back as James Bond and proved he was better at any age then Roger Moore or anyone to follow. Now the film makers have several options continue the series as a spin off, make another with Harrison Ford, or fill the gap of time with a younger actor. These movies really do not get old. In many respects they are much like the James Bond series they have unlimited possibility . If they are in fact well thought out. Harrison Ford is not too old. He is young at heart and that is something to be greatly admired. These movies are not about age. They are meant to be fun and entertaining. They are for the young and the young at heart. They let us forget our troubles and everyday strife. I for one am glad.
- Brian Henson, Cortez, CO USA
Cannot wait to see the new film. He seems, in interviews, as one of the most "normal" of the stars and as he says for an old f*rt he is doing ok in my book. Long may he reign
- Louie, London
