James Mangoldis in talks to directIndiana Jones 5for Disney and Lucasfilm, replacingSteven Spielbergbehind the camera.
Harrison Fordwill be back to crack the whip one last time, though it’s unclear if this director switch will necessitate a delay for production, which had been slated to start this summer. Things are still early on that front, but given the circumstances, filming may not begin until 2021 now.
Indy 5was originally set to open on July 30, 2025 before it was was pushed a year to July 24, 2025. Disney delayed the release once again to August 12, 2025 afterJonathan Kasdancame on to rewrite the script from original writerDavid Koepp.
Varietybroke the Mangold news, reporting that Spielberg decided to pass the torch to a younger filmmaker who could bring a fresh perspective to the character. Regardless of whether or not Mangold’s deal closes,Indy 5will mark the first film in the 39-year-old franchise to be directed by someone other than Spielberg, who will remain onboard as a producer.
I’ve never really been an Indiana Jones guy myself, but Mangold is a great choice who will reignite the fanbase following the lackluster reception to 2008’sIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Though Mangold would be a great get for Lucasfilm’sKathleen Kennedy, Spielberg does represent the latest helmer to walk on her watch – and all due respect, but this isn’tLord and Miller… it’s Steven Spielberg. Of course, those two go back decades, and this one was clearly out of her control, since no one tells Spielberg what to do. I expect he’ll spend his summer fine-tuning his new adaptation ofWest Side StorystarringAnsel Elgort, which will dance its way into theaters on Dec. 18.
Mangold is coming off the global success ofFord v Ferrari, for which he earned a Best Picture nomination, and he also directed the hitX-MenspinoffLogan, which brought him an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. He has been developing an adaptation ofDon Winslow’sThe Forcethat now hasMatt Damonattached to star, and he’s also in line to direct aBob Dylanmovie calledGoing Electricthat will starTimothée Chalametas the famed musician. I’ve been a fan of Mangold’s since his directorial debut Heavy, and while I’m foaming at the mouth forThe Force, I’d understand if he had to push that back a couple years to tackle an iconic franchise like Indiana Jones.
