Back when Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012 everybody was excited by the prospect of more Star Wars, but what seemed to pass by unnoticed was that the deal also included the rights to Indiana Jones franchise and it looks like the studio is ready to utilize those rights, as they have just announced the fifth film in the franchise is coming in 2019.
It looks like the recent rumors of a reboot of the character can finally be put to be bed because as well the films announcement, we also have confirmation that Harrison Ford will be reprising his role as Henry Indiana Jones. The studio also revealed that upcoming sequel will also see the return of Steven Spielberg in the directors chair.
The official announcement can be seen below.
SPIELBERG AND FORD REUNITE AS INDIANA JONES RETURNS TO THEATERS JULY 19, 2019
Indiana Jones will return to the big screen on July 19, 2019, for a fifth epic adventure in the blockbuster series. Steven Spielberg, who directed all four previous films, will helm the as-yet-untitled project with star Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role. Franchise veterans Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall will produce.
“Indiana Jones is one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history, and we can’t wait to bring him back to the screen in 2019,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “It’s rare to have such a perfect combination of director, producers, actor and role, and we couldn’t be more excited to embark on this adventure with Harrison and Steven.”
Famed archaeologist and explorer Indiana Jones was introduced in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark – one of AFI’s 100 Greatest American Films of All Time – and later thrilled audiences in 1984’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The four films have brought in nearly $2 billion at the global box office.
The last film in the franchise, 2008’s Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull had a less than stellar reception, so hopefully they have learnt from previous mistakes *cough* Shia *cough* and will bring us a much more traditional adventure. It should also be noted that Harrison Ford will be nearly 11 years older than when he last donned the fedora and whip, let’s just hope he can keep up.
What do you think? Are you excited about this announcement? Or do you still have nightmares about Aliens, CGI Gophers and Shia LaBeouf? Let us know below!