Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is now running in theaters near you. Not going to lie; watching this one made me sort of emotional because it takes time to come to terms with the end. The fifth film in the franchise is almost confirmed to be the last film in the series.
The Dial of Destiny releases 15 years after its predecessor, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The film is also the first and only film in the franchise that is neither written by George Lucas, nor directed by Steven Spielberg.
Spielberg was originally supposed to direct The Dial of Destiny, but he decided to step down in 2020 because he wanted to pass on the whip to a new master. This decision on Spielberg’s part was probably the beginning of the end of the franchise, since the creator himself decided to step down.
Nevertheless, in the age of remakes, spin-offs and sequels, where production houses and studios know how to milk a concept until there’s nothing left, no franchise is completely over.
Officially, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is the last film in the franchise. There will be no sixth installment. Harrison Ford has confirmed that this is the last time he is playing the character. There’s little chance of him being recast, so this is very likely the last Indiana Jones film.
1. Why The Dial of Destiny is the Last Indiana Jones Film
The most important reason why the Indiana Jones franchise is coming to an end is because of Harrison Ford’s age. Ford is now 80 years old, which makes it difficult for him to play Indiana Jones anymore.
While presenting new footage of The Dial of Destiny in D23, Ford himself confirmed that he would not be playing Indiana Jones anymore. He also wrote his farewell message in the production notes.
This is it! I will not fall down for you again! I’ll miss the people who I’ve worked with on the film – everyone at Lucasfilm, at Disney, [director] Jim Mangold, and the actors. But I’m not going to miss Indy because he’s fulfilled his purpose, and I’m really happy to have seen it come around to the end. I felt good. I felt that we had made a film that the audience deserved. For those people who had been fans of the earlier films, had enjoyed seeing them, had shared them with their families, I feel confident that we’re going to knock their socks off with this one.
In my opinion, Ford’s words perfectly sum up why good things should come to an end in due time. Ford mentions that Indy has already served his purpose, which is true, considering the legacy that the character and the franchise are leaving behind.
Moreover, Spielberg too seems to understand that it’s time for Indy’s journey to come to a natural end. This is probably the reason why he quit the project a couple of years ago.
Now, since the main reason seems to be Ford’s age, the idea of recasting the role is a no-brainer. However, things aren’t as simple as it seems.
2. Will Indiana Jones be recast?
As of writing this article, there is little chance of Indiana Jones being recast. On the same topic, producer Kathleen Kennedy spoke to Vanity Fair back in 2020. Here’s what she said –
“We would never make Indiana Jones without Harrison Ford. Having just finished the fifth movie, I can tell you, there wasn’t a day I wasn’t on set where I wasn’t like, ‘Yes – this is Indiana Jones.”
This is a good decision if you ask me. Most of the fans of the franchise are used to watching Ford as our beloved adventurous archaeologist. It is difficult for people to accept another person in the role. At least, not so soon.
However, most such franchises do decide to continue sooner or later after recasting the lead role. Another option is to choose a successor. For instance, Indy’s goddaughter, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, can be a worthy successor of Indy. The franchise can continue with her as the protagonist.
While it is true that the franchise is not going to continue anytime soon and Ford will perhaps not be recast, it does not mean we completely rule out the idea of a spin-off or a sequel sometime in the future.
3. What happens to Indiana Jones at the end of The Dial of Destiny?
While Indiana Jones does not die in the film, the film ends with him hanging up his hat, signifying this is his last adventure. At the end of the film, Indy’s goddaughter Helena Shaw brings him back to 1969 from 212 BC. After that, he is reunited with Marion and his friends.
It is implied that he will spend the rest of his years with Marion and his friends in a peaceful way. As I mentioned before, Ford himself has confirmed that this is the last time he’ll be playing the character.
4. About Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is an upcoming American action-adventure film and is the fifth and final installment of the Indiana Jones film series. The film is directed by James Mangold, who co-wrote the script with Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth.
In 1969, Indiana Jones lives against the backdrop of the Space Race. Jones had started to feel doubts when the U.S. Government recruited former World War II enemies in their desperation to beat the Soviet Union out in the competition to make it to space. His goddaughter, Helena, accompanies him on his journey. Meanwhile, Voller, a NASA member and ex-Nazi involved with the moon-landing program, wishes to make the world a better place as he sees fit.
Harrison Ford will reprise his role as Indiana Jones, joined by Mads Mikkelsen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Thomas Kretschmann, Boyd Holbrook, and Shaunette Renee Wilson.
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