Disney CEO Bob Iger backpedals on comments about Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny being the end of the franchise. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is the series' fifth installment, which kicked off with 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark. Harrison Ford returns to the role for the first time since 2008's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, along with a new director for the series, James Mangold. Ford stars alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelson, Boyd Holbrook, and Antonio Banderas.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny held its world premiere at the Cannes, followed by an afterparty where Iger spoke on the franchise's future. The latest installment is intended to be Ford's last time portraying the character, with the film called the end of the line for the franchise. However, Iger seems open to extending the life of the series, telling IndieWire that it may live on, even if Ford looks to be done. Iger said, "The last movie was here 15 years ago, so we'll see."
The Future of the Indiana Jones Franchise
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has been called the franchise's last installment, marking the end of an era for the character. Early reviews for Indiana Jones 5 have called it a satisfying entry in the series that ultimately doesn't live up to the original trilogy. However, no matter the franchise's future, Ford looks to have hung up his whip and fedora, content to let the fifth film be his last.
There was a planned spinoff series in development for Disney+ that would've been tied into the world established by the films. However, rumors following the poor performance of Disney+'s Willow series say that the Indiana Jones spinoff show has been shelved for the time being. If the show is put on hold, Disney could merely be waiting on how Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny performs at the box office, seeing if there is enough interest to warrant it.
If Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny becomes a box-office success, the franchise's future could be reinvigorated. While the series may remain in limbo or be reworked, the franchise could live on through shows like The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, which ran for two seasons. More films are also possible, but another actor taking on the part could be a risky prospect, meaning there is also a chance for a spinoff movie following a different character, like Waller-Bridge's Helena. So while the future is uncertain for the franchise, Disney looks to be keeping the door open after Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny hits theaters.
Source: IndieWire
