We Finally Found Harrison Ford On Set Of Indiana Jones 5!

*Please note some images in this blog are watermarked as we will be using them in our film. Once released we will lift the embargo*

I’ve Just Found Ford!

Just after meeting Harrison Ford in Costume as Indiana Jones Monday 7th June 2021 in Grosmont

Indy Comes Home

I knew that 2021 was going to be an important year for Finding Ford, Harrison Ford fans, and Indiana Jones fans especially. There had been mutterings in the press that Indy was coming home, and production of Indiana jones 5 would be kicking off in the U.K!

First there were reports of some night shoots in North Yorkshire on 4th June, using motorbikes, and a stunt man wearing a Harrison Ford mask. So since he was wearing a Nazi uniform, it is already being predicted that the new film will include flashbacks to a younger Indy.

Bamborough & Whitby!

Next up team Indy moved on to filming at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, but it was unclear if Harrison Ford had been part of the filming. Due to the fact that the scenes again seemed to be set during WWII. I was considering heading up to check this set out, but the timing wasn’t great so didn’t make it.

Then the opportunity arrived, as the production moved on to Grosmont Station in Whitby. Once again it was unclear if Harrison was on set, but it was clear they were filming an old steam train for Indy. They had been filming there for a few days, and I heard the last night’s filming would be on Monday 7th June 2021. That was all we needed to hear, so Steve and I hit the road to see what we could see!

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Walking For Charity

Upon arrival in Grosmont we came across what looked liked one of the entrances to the base-camp of the production…a few folks in hi-vis jackets. So we drove a little further down and parked up on the road next to a small forest (see first pic above).

We then struck up a conversation with a guy called Phil Jowett. Who was doing a Coast To Coast walk for the Papyrus Charity, in memory of a friend who had sadly committed suicide. We identified with this having recently lost a friend in a similar tragedy. Phil told us he had seen a few interesting things so far in Grosmont, including; a helicopter landing, and the nazi stream train being brought through…This all sounded very promising!

The Forest

It seemed possible that the base camp, and the train were on the other side of the forest…So with my Fedora on (what else would I wear?). Steve grabbed his camera and followed me on an adventure through the forest.

Inside we did find part of the train track, but not the train, so we ventured further, and further. Then we came to a steep banking, which we ran down just about staying upright, and came to a clearing with a wide river.

The Bridge Of Doom!

I took one look at the river and said to Steve; “We’ll never make it across there!” But just as the words left my mouth, I looked to the left and spotted a rickety old bridge, that looked as if it had been condemned. I looked back at Steve and said: “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” “You’re going across it?” he replied. “Damn straight!” I said with a gulp!

I clambered up a banking next to the bridge and climbed over the fence, then started tentatively testing the slats. It had been covered by chicken wire at some point to strengthen it, but there were clearly broken slats, some missing and it generally wasn’t in great condition…

What Would Indy Do?

It was time to step this adventure up a notch, so I started to cross…It was a bit dicey but I made it to the other side. Then I encouraged Steve to do the same, whilst filming (see pic on the right)! Once on the other side it was clear that base-camp was across another two fields. But to be honest, we got a bit spooked, and didn’t want to film people coming out of trailers (not cool). So we sprinted back to the car…

Director Steve follows me across the Bridge of Doom!

Harrison Ford’s Helicopter?

Get To The Chopper!

We’d had quite a work out by this point, it was a hot sunny day and you feel it in a hat! As we were checking the gear and having a drink of water, all of a sudden we heard the helicopter! We quickly grabbed the gear and ran as fast as we could back through the forest, vaulted over the fence, and this time legged it across the bridge!

Unfortunately as we reached the other side the chopper had already landed, and whoever was on board had exited. I felt sure it was someone important, maybe even the main man himself. We watched it take off again and headed back to the car…

The Nazi Train!

The Nazi Train

Just as we were discussing our next move, we heard the chugging of a steam train! So we jumped in the car, drove under the railway bridge (seen behind me and Phil in the pic above), and arrived at Grosmont Crossing. Sadly we had just missed the train coming in. We were told by a guy who had been filming it last night, that it was on the other side of the tunnel now.

The Set

I can’t remember the guys name, but he told us the tunnel was of course closed to the public. However, above the tunnel was a public footpath from which you could look down onto the train and some of the set. As he was telling us this we saw the crew arriving and they all walked down the tunnel…

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Indiana Jones 5 set train with gun turret

Vantage Point

We headed up to the side of the tunnel and found the public footpath, and we ran into some fans from Europe. There was some coverings up to block the view of the train but we got to see part of it, and huge cranes with lighting etc. I had never seen a set on this scale before, and it was so impressive and exciting (see pics above).

The Pub

It was late afternoon / early evening by this point, and we had been running around most of the day. So it was time for a drink, and something to eat.

On Grosmont Crossing, right opposite where the crew had entered the set, is The Station Tavern Pub. Therefore the perfect spot to have a pint of Guinness and observe the action. We ran back into Phil and he joined us in having a fresh pizza from Grosmont Coffee Shop, which was delicious. We watched, and waited.

Grosmont Crossing View From Station Tavern Pub

Waiting for Harrison Ford at The Station Tavern Grosmont

Most Important Friends

As we sat and relaxed a black SUV arrived, and out climbed a guy wearing a mask. So I didn’t realise it at the time, but it was the Director James Mangold! I took this as a sign that if Harrison Ford was going to show up, now was the time. So I grabbed my Official Pix 10×8 of Indy (my favourite image of the character from Last Crusade), my pen, and headed across the road to wait.

Kathleen Kennedy!

After a little to-ing and fro-ing of the vehicles, another rolled up, and out walks Kathleen Kennedy The President of Lucasfilm, and Producer of Indiana Jones! I didn’t realise at first, as he was also wearing a mask, but behind was her husband and co-producer was Frank Marshall.

As she walked towards me I said: “Hi Kathy, how are you?” “I’m great thanks!” She replied. “Can we get a picture please?” I offered. “Sure no problem!” She said, and Steve takes the picture. I am just about to start telling her about Finding Ford, and as I turn around I stop dead…

I’m ready!

Official Pix Photo of Indiana Jones waiting to be signed by Harrison Ford

Meeting the boss Kathleen Kennedy!

Harrison Ford!

Stood there in costume (and a mask) as Indiana Jones is my hero Harrison Ford!!! “Harrison!” I manage to exclaim, and he turns around. I’d dreamt of meeting the man for over 40 years, and when it finally happened, we both had grey hair ha ha! I’d love to share our exchange with you, but as always, you will have to wait until you see Finding Ford!

He Did Not Disappoint

After our brief meeting Mr Ford wondered over to the pub, and chatted with the Landlord, the producers, crew and cracked a joke with young fan passing through.

Despite him being polite and friendly with me, and me wanting to ask him a zillion questions for our film, it didn’t feel like the time or place. He was working after all, so I let him be.

Harrison hung around a little more, then strolled off down the road with some of the crew. Thank you Harrison Ford, you realised a life long dream for me on Monday June 7th 2021!

Shortly afterwards I questioned a member of the crew. “Has Harrison finished filming today?” I asked. “He hasn’t been filming today, he just came in for the costume fitting.” he replied. “What? Wait a minute, so this is his first time in costume as Indiana Jones since 2007 and I was here to witness it?” I asked agog! “That’s right, pretty cool eh?” he said. Mind blown, talk about kismet!

Meeting my hero…

A 40 Year dream comes true for Finding Ford creator Patrick O'Hare as he meets his hero Harrison Ford!

Phil’s Pics

Whilst I was regaining my composure, our new friend Phil got some great photos, which he has given me permission to share with you here. It shows Harrison chatting with Kathleen, Frank, and crew, plus you can spot me in the background on a couple. We hope you enjoy them, and if you do please consider donating to Papyrus.

Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones 5. Photo by Phil Jowett

Guess Who We Just Met?

Finding Ford Team after meeting Harrison Ford on set of Indiana Jones 5

So That’s It Right?

As you can imagine after posting about the meeting on social media, the Finding Ford accounts lit up like a Christmas tree! Thank you for so many wonderful notes of congratulations, and questions about the costume etc…But the main question was; “You’ve found him, you’ve done it, so that’s it right, the film is finished?”

This Is Just The Beginning…

The simple answer is no. This film is a celebration of the man, his movies, and his fans. So next we are interviewing as many co-stars / actors, producers, and crew as possible to create the rest of the film. Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, James Mangold, if you are reading this, I’d love to interview you too!

We are in the process of reaching out to such people, which can be a long process. But with the momentum now gained, we are more hopeful now than ever. So please watch this space.

If we get to meet Harrison again and have a chat, that would be amazing. Stranger things have certainly happened!

So as the sun sets slowly over Whitby, until next time hero…