Rumors about Indiana Jones 5 have been swirling for months, and now it looks like it will finally be a reality. Disney has just sent out the following press release:
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.
That's some pretty big news to drop on a Tuesday afternoon, and I'm sure it will be met with mixed reaction. On the one hand, George Lucas' name is notably missing from the participants in this upcoming sequel. That being said, this also isn't the total reboot that some fans were hoping for.
It's also interesting for what Spielberg is choosing to pursue. This will be this third blockbuster film in a row following The BFG and Ready Player One. As for Ford, he was one of the few bright spots in the disappointing Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and seemed to have a genuinely good time getting back into the role.
While I'm not inherently against a new Indiana Jones movie, it's just a shame that we don't get a new franchise to hook our interest. Instead, it's Spielberg, Ford, Kennedy, and Marshall going back to an old well. But since Disney owns the property and was going to probably make a new Indy film whether they wanted to or not, at least the original team (minus Lucas) is guiding it.
Shia LaBeouf could not be reached for comment.
