Well this is a bit of a shocker. After being the man behind the camera for every INDIANA JONES movie, in addition to being a co-creator of the character, Variety is reporting Steven Spielberg will no longer be directing the fifth INDIANA JONES film starring Harrison Ford, which was reportedly going to start shooting in a few months. Now they’re saying that director James Mangold (FORD v FERRARI, LOGAN) is in talks to take over directing duties for the project. Mangold’s films have been critical favorites and even fan favorites in the case of LOGAN, which some consider the very best Wolverine movie made to date. It’s also interesting that Mangold’s efforts on LOGAN meant him coming on board an established franchise to tell a final story of a character when they were old and near the end… as one would imagine INDIANA JONES 5 would be as well. Also worthy of note, LOGAN won Mangold an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, and grossed $619 million worldwide.
Even though he won’t be in the director chair, Spielberg would stay on as producer for the film, likely with considerable input. It’s said that a source close to Spielberg stated it was hit choice to step away hoping to “pass along Indy’s whip to a new generation to bring their perspective to the story.” Harrison Ford has been making the round promoting his new movie THE CALL OF THE WILD, and talking openly about returning to Indiana Jones, even stating he’s excited to do so and has fun making those movies. Disney had originally announced in 2016 that the fifth film would arrive July 19, 2019, but that date was delayed until July 10, 2020, and eventually until July 9, 2021. Screenwriter Jonathan Kasdan, who is the son of Lawrence Kasdan (who wrote RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK) worked on the screenplay once David Koepp was no longer involved. The big question now is whether or not Spielberg’s departure will mean yet another delay on the intended release date for the film. The seasoned director is prepping the release of his update for WEST SIDE STORY (hitting theaters December 18th). George Lucas is still retired, and is not expected to be involved. It’s hard to imagine an INDIANA JONES movie that isn’t directed by Spielberg, but Mangold does seem like an inspired choice. I loved LOGAN, and very much enjoyed FORD v FERRARI. What are your thoughts on this change up? Tell us in the comments below.