 Kate Capshaw as Wilhelmina " Willie " Scott : An American nightclub singer working in Shanghai . Willie is unprepared for her adventure with Indy and Short Round , and appears to be a damsel in distress . She also forms a romantic relationship with Indy . Over 120 actresses auditioned for the role , including Sharon Stone . To prepare for the role , Capshaw watched The African Queen and A Guy Named Joe . Spielberg wanted Willie to be a complete contrast to Marion Ravenwood from Raiders of the Lost Ark , so Capshaw dyed her brown hair blonde for the part . Costume designer Anthony Powell wanted the character to have red hair . 
