You’d be hard-pressed to find someone whose favorite Indiana Jones movie was the last one. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is often lumped into similar discussions with the Star Wars prequels. While I don’t think that comparison is entirely fair, it’s not without some merit. I think everyone can agree that Crystal Skull whiffed it when it came to giving Indy a proper sendoff. Apparently, the star and filmmaker must feel the same way.
Disney — which purchased Lucasfilm and therefore now owns Indiana Jones — announced today that Indiana Jones 5 is going into development. Steven Spielberg will be back to direct, Harrison Ford will be back as the titular archaeologist, and the film will be released on July 19, 2019.
At first, I would have groaned at this news. Ford seemed tired and uncommitted during his last go-around as Indy, but after his genuinely delightful turn as Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, I’m a lot more optimistic. It’s also assumed that George Lucas will have very little involvement in this installment, and that’s probably not a bad thing. I have to believe he’ll at least be consulted or get some kind of producer credit, but I don’t know if his name will make it on the screenplay. Lucas has a story credit for each of the Indiana Jones movies but has never written the screenplay. He’ll obviously get a “characters by” credit, but will he at least get to pitch some ideas?
As always, it’ll be interesting to see what historic artifact or culture Indy will be involved with. There are numerous unmade Indy movies (some were repurposed into video games like Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis) so there’s no want for material. If Ford can bring that same swagger he brought in The Force Awakens, it might be reason enough to crack that whip one last time.
Would you like to be part of the Fandom team? Join our Fan Contributor Program and share your voice on Fandom.com!
