Steven Spielberg no longer directing INDIANA JONES 5, James Mangold in talks to step in

Steven Spielberg no longer directing INDIANA JONES 5, James Mangold in talks to step in

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.

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About the Author

Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff.