7 Shocking Facts About Harrison Ford's 'Air Force One' That Prove It's Not Just An Action Movie

Few films have captured the American action-thriller zeitgeist quite like Air Force One, which, as of December 18, 2025, remains a definitive 90s blockbuster. Starring Harrison Ford as the fiercely patriotic President James Marshall, the 1997 hit redefined the "President as Action Hero" trope, pitting the Commander-in-Chief against a ruthless group of Kazakh terrorists led by the chilling Ivan Korshunov, played by Gary Oldman. Yet, despite the explosions and the iconic "Get off my plane!" line, the film's star recently offered a surprising perspective, claiming the movie isn't really an action film at all. This deep dive uncovers the freshest facts and enduring legacy of a cinematic classic.

The film, directed by the late Wolfgang Petersen, was a massive box office success, grossing a staggering $315.2 million worldwide against an $85 million budget, making it the fifth highest-grossing film of 1997. It is a movie that has stood the test of time, celebrated for its high-stakes tension and Ford's committed performance, which many critics consider one of the best portrayals of a U.S. President on the big screen. The following sections explore the man, the movie, and the newly revealed secrets that keep this film relevant today.

Harrison Ford: A Brief Presidential Profile

Harrison Ford, the actor behind President James Marshall, is a cinematic cultural icon whose career spans over seven decades. From Han Solo to Indiana Jones, his legacy is built on playing rugged, reluctant heroes. His turn as a President who fights back was a natural fit for his established on-screen persona.

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• Full Name: Harrison Ford
• Born: July 13, 1942
• Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
• Parents: Christopher Ford (Irish Catholic) and Dora Nidelman (Russian Jewish)
• Education: Ripon College (Wisconsin)
• Key Roles Before Air Force One (1997): Han Solo (Star Wars saga), Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones franchise), Rick Deckard (Blade Runner), Jack Ryan (Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger).
• Recent Work (2020s): Jacob Dutton (1923), Dr. Paul Rhoades (Shrinking), General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (Marvel Cinematic Universe).

The Surprising Modern Legacy of a 90s Blockbuster

While Air Force One is a product of the 1990s, its themes of American resilience and the personal burden of the presidency continue to resonate. The film’s enduring popularity is often tied to its high-concept premise: a President (Marshall) who is a decorated Vietnam War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, giving him the unique skills to take on the terrorists.

1. Ford Doesn't Consider It an "Action Movie"

Despite the film's relentless pace and numerous fight sequences—including the famous close-quarters battle between Marshall and Korshunov—Harrison Ford recently revealed that he views the film differently. He stated that he doesn't really see Air Force One as an action film but rather as a story about a character whose principles are tested under extreme duress. This perspective suggests he focused on the emotional and political stakes rather than just the stunts, elevating President Marshall beyond a simple action hero.

2. The Iconic Line Was His Favorite Take

The film's most quoted line, "Get off my plane!" delivered by President Marshall to the terrorist leader Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman), was reportedly the result of Ford’s own preference. The actor was given several options for the line, but he chose the most direct and visceral one, cementing it as one of the most memorable sign-offs in action cinema history.

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3. He Used His Presidential Suits for Years

A fun, recently revealed tidbit about the production involves Ford’s wardrobe. The actor, known for his practical nature, admitted in a recent interview that he snagged three suits from the set of Air Force One. He shared that he was wearing them as his personal clothing up until about five years ago, proving that even a Hollywood icon appreciates a good, free suit.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of the VC-25A

The star of the film, beyond Ford, is arguably the presidential plane itself. The production team, led by director Wolfgang Petersen, went to extraordinary lengths to make the fictional Air Force One (a VC-25A) look and feel authentic, while also taking necessary cinematic liberties.

4. The Plane Was Rented and Cost a Fortune to Paint

To create a realistic double for the real presidential aircraft, the producers rented a standard production Boeing 747 from American International Airways. The team spent a reported $300,000 just on the paint job to make the plane look identical to the actual Air Force One, complete with the iconic blue and white livery.

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5. The Parachute Deck Does Not Exist

One of the most dramatic moments in the film is when the First Lady (Wendy Crewson) and Vice President (Dean Stockwell) use an emergency parachute deck to escape the plane. This dramatic feature, however, is pure Hollywood fiction. The real Air Force One does not have a dedicated parachute deck for emergency bailouts; the scene was a necessary plot device for the thriller.

6. Ford’s Quip to Donald Trump

The enduring image of Harrison Ford as a strong, decisive President led to a memorable public exchange years after the film's release. When then-presidential candidate Donald Trump praised Ford's performance, saying he loved the film, Ford delivered a classic retort: "Donald, it was a movie." This quip, which Ford delivered during an interview, perfectly encapsulated the difference between cinematic fantasy and political reality, highlighting the cultural impact of his portrayal.

7. He’s Back as POTUS (Sort Of)

In a fascinating twist of cinematic fate, Harrison Ford is once again playing a figure of immense political power. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Ford has taken on the role of General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, who has since become the President of the United States. This marks his second time playing a POTUS, albeit one with a very different, more morally ambiguous agenda than the heroic James Marshall, providing a fresh comparison point for fans today.

The Enduring Thrill and Future Possibilities

The film’s success was also driven by a stellar supporting cast, including Gary Oldman's terrifying performance as the lead terrorist, Ivan Korshunov, and strong turns from William H. Macy and Liesel Matthews. The original score, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, added immense tension, though it is a little-known fact that Randy Newman was originally hired to score the film before director Wolfgang Petersen ultimately replaced him.

The movie's status as a classic has naturally led to discussions about its future. Rumors have surfaced in recent years about Sony potentially developing an Air Force One sequel, reboot, or remake. While nothing has been confirmed, the mere possibility of revisiting the high-stakes world of the Presidential plane, perhaps with a new, younger President or a return of a legacy character, keeps the conversation around this masterpiece alive. As the film passes its 28th anniversary, its place in the pantheon of action-thrillers is secure, thanks in no small part to Harrison Ford's unforgettable, suit-wearing, plane-defending performance.