The subject of a recasting of Indiana Jones has been a recurrent subject of internet reumors. Harrison Ford is reaching an age where he may no longer be viable as an action star to movie audiences. Disney may also wish to continue its franchise with another, younger star. However Steven Spielberg has recently spoken to Screendaily magazine about these rumors, and firmly denies them. His full comment regarding the recasting of Indiana Jones has been reproduced below:
“It’s certainly not my intention to ever have another actor step into his shoes in the way there have been many actors that have played Spider-Man or Batman. There is only going to be one actor playing Indiana Jones and that’s Harrison Ford.” “I don’t think anyone could replace Harrison as Indy, I don’t think that’s ever going to happen,” he (Spielberg said in an interview with Screen International that will be published Friday.
From these comments it is apparent that Spielberg does not intend for Indiana Jones to be a recurring role akin to Batman or Spiderman. This certainly puts to rest some speculation that the franchise could continue in some way via a passing of the 'Indiana Jones' title, or future movies recasting the character. This also ties into comments by Frank Marshall earlier this year, claiming that no actor would replace Harrison Ford in the title role. In addition, Spielberg also gave insight onto why he was motivated to return to making a fifth Indiana Jones movie:
“Because there are more adventures out there than films,” said the filmmaker, who turns 69 on Dec 18. “So as long as there’s more adventures out there, I’ve got a bullwhip, a fedora, a leather jacket and a man on a horse who knows how to get the job done.”
The fifth Indiana Jones movie has yet to be formally announced, and confirmations for Ford returning are still not set in stone. However, the recent comments by Spielberg, Ford and Marshall regarding the franchise do indicate a continued interest in resuming the franchise. I believe that once Disney has suceeded in establishing the new Star Wars Franchise, that they will turn their attention to Indiana Jones.
Source: ScreenDaily
