There has been consistent chatter for years that Indiana Jones would be returning to theaters soon. And guess what? It’s true…all of it…
Well…some of it is true anyways. Throughout the early part of 2015, there had been rampant rumors that Disney was looking to reboot the franchise. There were reports from major outlets that Chris Pratt was considered the heavy favorite to eventually pick up the whip and continue the legacy. However, Spielberg abruptly quieted the speculation this past December when he made this comment.
“I don’t think anyone could replace Harrison as Indy, I don’t think that’s ever going to happen. It’s certainly not my intention to ever have another actor step into his shoes in the way there have been many actors that have played Spider-Man or Batman. There is only going to be one actor playing Indiana Jones and that’s Harrison Ford.”
While this put an end to fanboys casting for the part on the internet, it also confused many onlookers who assumed that Ford, at age 73, was too old for the physically demanding role. It seems that the reason that Spielberg was so confident was because he had big plans for both Ford and the franchise.
Disney announced today that both Spielberg and Ford would be returning to film Indiana Jones 5. The project is far enough into development that they even announced the release date of July 19th, 2019. A prime summer placement for the franchise that has defined the movie season for decades.
There were rumors that the previously reluctant Ford would only return to the Star Wars franchise in The Force Awakens, if Disney agreed to another Indiana Jones film, with him in role and Spielberg in the director’s chair. So it seems that everybody wins if that scenario is true. In the official press release it is mentioned that Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall would be returning to produce the film. However, the omission of series co-creator George Lucas is glaring and it seems that he may have lost his producing stake when he sold Lucasfilm to Disney. There were also rumors that the conflicting creative visions of Lucas and Spielberg, who are also very good friends, was behind some of the failures of the last installment, Indiana Jones and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
There weren’t any specific writers attached to the project and a title has yet to be announced, so let the speculation begin! However, with the release date only three years away and a star who has a limited window of availability, we should expect to hear more concrete details within the coming months. This looks like it will truly be the last hurrah, so let’s enjoy the process one more time!
Official Press Release:
SPIELBERG AND FORD REUNITE AS INDIANA JONES RETURNS TO THEATERS JULY 19, 2019
Indiana Jones will return to the big screen on July 19, 2019, for a fifth epic adventure in the blockbuster series. Steven Spielberg, who directed all four previous films, will helm the as-yet-untitled project with star Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role. Franchise veterans Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall will produce.
“Indiana Jones is one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history, and we can’t wait to bring him back to the screen in 2019,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “It’s rare to have such a perfect combination of director, producers, actor and role, and we couldn’t be more excited to embark on this adventure with Harrison and Steven.”
Famed archaeologist and explorer Indiana Jones was introduced in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark – one of AFI’s 100 Greatest American Films of All Time – and later thrilled audiences in 1984’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The four films have brought in nearly $2 billion at the global box office.
Indiana Jones 5 will open n July 19th, 2019.
What do you think of Ford coming back for one more swing of the whip? Let us know on the comment boards, , , and ! Share our stories by simply clicking your favorite social media below!