A new Indiana Jones adventure is in the works over at Disney. This time around, reports indicate that Disney is seeking to launch a series about the famed archeologist on its Disney+ platform.
Indiana Jones has been a popular franchise for over 40 years now. The franchise has lain dormant for about a decade and a half, however: it's been fourteen years since Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull hit theaters back in 2008. That particular film was a contentious entry that many felt was an ignominious end for one of the biggest characters in American cinematic history. Disney currently hopes to please audiences with Indiana Jones 5.
Variety exclusively reported that a series was in development over at Disney. Their sources say that development is in its very early stages, and Disney is currently looking for writers to helm the series. Therefore, there is no information available on the plot, nor is there any certainty about its placement in the overallIts story of Indiana Jones. For instance, it's not known if the story will be a prequel, something that complements Indiana Jones 5, or a spin-off focusing on another character from the franchise.
It's not the franchise's first foray onto the small screen. The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles was a series which explored Indy's childhood. It aired on ABC family from two seasons over 1993 and 1994, before releasing four specials on The Family Channel (now Freeform) between 1994 and 1996. Ford himself actually made a return to Indiana Jones in that show, which was released after the 1989 release of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Ford has previously become emotional on-stage as he unveiled Indiana Jones 5, and has intimated that it would be his last time portraying the character. At 80 years old, it would probably be too big of a commitment for Ford to join the series as a regular, given that it's a very physically intense role. It's possible that, if the series is a prequel, the character could be played by a new actor.
On the other hand, it's possible that the series will be a spin-off set within the same universe. If that's the case, it's possible the series will focus on other characters in the franchise. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is playing a big role in Indiana Jones 5, and if her role is well-received, then perhaps the series could focus on her. Until Disney formally announces the series, however, all of this is conjecture and speculation.
Indiana Jones 5 is out in theaters on June 30, 2023.
Source: Variety