The 007 Secret Hidden in Plain Sight in Indiana Jones

For decades, fans of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have known that Indiana Jones was originally conceived as a character to rival the suave sophistication of James Bond. However, in the 1989 classic Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Spielberg took this connection a step further with a brilliant “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” Easter Egg that pays ultimate tribute to 007.

A Reunion of 007 Icons

The Last Crusade is famously the film where Sean Connery, the original James Bond, joined the franchise as Henry Jones Sr., the father of Harrison Ford’s legendary archaeologist. But the Bond connections didn’t stop there.

The film also featured:

• Julian Glover: The villainous Walter Donovan, who previously played the Bond villain Aristotle Kristatos in For Your Eyes Only.
• Alison Doody: Who played Dr. Elsa Schneider, but was also a “Bond girl” in A View to a Kill.

With three major stars from the Bond universe on set, Spielberg a self-proclaimed 007 superfan—couldn’t resist a subtle cinematic joke.

The Walther PPK Connection

The “Easter Egg” occurs during the climactic scene in the temple as the characters navigate the booby traps to find the Holy Grail. In a shocking moment of betrayal, Walter Donovan (the Bond villain) shoots Henry Jones Sr. (the original James Bond).

The genius detail? Spielberg ensured that Donovan used a Walther PPK the signature sidearm of James Bond.

As noted by film enthusiasts, this creates a perfectly “meta” moment: A Bond villain shoots James Bond with James Bond’s own gun, while a Bond girl stands right next to them.

Spielberg’s Lifelong Bond Ambition

This clever nod is more than just trivia; it’s a reflection of Spielberg’s history with the spy franchise. Early in his career, Spielberg twice approached the producers of the James Bond films, expressing his desire to direct an entry in the series. He was famously turned down both times.

In response, he collaborated with George Lucas to create a “Bond-style” adventurer of his own, which eventually became Indiana Jones. By casting Connery as Indy’s father and including the Walther PPK reference, Spielberg effectively “directed” his own version of a Bond movie within the world of archaeology.

A Masterclass in Fan Service

Steven Spielberg’s “nerdiness” is exactly what makes his films so enduring. By weaving the DNA of the 007 franchise into the fabric of The Last Crusade, he created a layered experience for cinema buffs. The Walther PPK Easter Egg remains one of the most satisfying “hidden in plain sight” moments in movie history, proving that even as Indiana Jones searched for the Holy Grail, his creator never stopped looking for ways to honor the spy who started it all.