After quite a few paparazzi images leaked,Indiana Jones 5director James Mangold has tackled early criticisms of the highly anticipated sequel head on, assuring fans of the beloved franchise that he and his production team are doing everything possible to ensure to the legacy of the adventuring archaeologist. While these criticisms clearly seem very premature, there has been growing concern over the lack of input fromIndiana Jonescreator and director Steven Spielberg, with the fifth installment being the first movie in the series that he has not helmed himself. Recent set images seemingly revealing that Harrison Ford will be de-aged in the movie has also caused a lot of worry among fans.
“I understand wariness, I live it. I don’t know if I’ll make you happy. But my team & I will knock ourselves out trying to make something good. We admire the craft of the originals. I hope when you see real images, they’ll look better to you thanpaparazzi shots from bushes.”
James Mangoldlater added that “Maybe, just maybe, I won’t let you down. I cherish old Hollywood pictures. Give me a little air to make the film. Then make your judgements, okay?” Mangold has proven his ability several times before in this regard, with 2019’s Ford v Ferrari starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale feeling a lot like a Hollywood picture from the so-called “golden years”. The filmmaker has also shown that he is more than capable of tackling cherished characters, with 2017’sLogannow considered one of the best examples of the comic book movie genre, as well as wrapping up the story of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in a hugely satisfying and unexpected way.
Many of the concerns surroundingIndiana Jones 5are not actually being levelled at Mangold but instead at producer Kathleen Kennedy. In the wake of Disney’s divisiveStar Warssequel trilogy,Indiana Jonesfans are concerned that another of their treasured franchises could be put through the wringer. In response to these criticisms, Mangold has since defended Kennedy, describing her, Spielberg and returning star Harrison Ford as “hugely talented & all at my side”.
Of course, it’s probably worth pointing out that 2008’sIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skullwas helmed by Spielberg, and we ended up with Indy hiding in a fridge. So, the intrepid adventurer has faltered once before.
Filming is now fully up and running on Mangold’sIndiana Jones 5, and while plot details remain a closely guarded secret, ongoing rumors have surfaced suggesting that the franchise will be sent into outer space. While Indy himself may not blast into the cosmos, reports have now claimed that Indiana Jones 5 will reunite the adventurer with his old enemies the Nazis through their involvement in the60s Space Race. Several images from filming have since confirmed the return of Indy’s Nazi nemesis, as well as revealing a sequence involving a Nazi train andpotentially a de-aged Harrison Ford.
Starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Kretschmann, Boyd Holbrook, and Shaunette Renée Wilson alongside Ford,Indiana Jones 5is scheduled to hit theaters on July 05, 2025. This comes to us fromJames Mangold’s Twitter account.
