Steven Spielberg won’t direct Indiana Jones 5 but will remain a ‘hands-on producer … as director James Mangold in talks to replace him on the Harrison Ford project
For the first time in the franchises 39 year history, Steven Spielberg won’t be directing an Indiana Jones film.
The iconic director is handing the whip over to James Mangold, who is in talks to replace him, according to a new report from Variety.
Spielberg, who helmed the four preview films, will remain on as a ‘hands-on producer,’ according to the outlet.
Changing of the guard: Steven Spielberg won’t be directing Indiana Jones 5 and is reportedly handing the reigns over to James Mangold, who is in talks to replace him, according to a new report from Variety
A source close the filmmaker told Variety that ‘the decision to leave the director’s chair was entirely Spielberg’s, in a desire to pass along Indy’s whip to a new generation to bring their perspective to the story.’
Mangold, who recently directed the Matt Damon and Christian Bale racing flick Ford vs. Ferrari, is in talks to replace Spielberg on Indiana Jones 5.
The fifth film in the franchise has been years in the making and was first announced back in 2016.
After several delays in production, star Harrison Ford revealed earlier in February that filming was set to begin this summer.
Historic: A source close the filmmaker told Variety that ‘the decision to leave the director’s chair was entirely Spielberg’s, in a desire to pass along Indy’s whip to a new generation to bring their perspective to the story’ (Harrison Ford in Raiders Of The Lost Ark – 1981)
Stepping up to the plate: Mangold, who recently directed the Matt Damon and Christian Bale racing flick Ford vs. Ferrari, is in talks to replace Spielberg on Indiana Jones 5
The 77-year-old veteran actor talked new details about the sequel while sitting down with Ellen DeGeneres on her show.
After Ellen asked about the movie, the Star Wars actor replied with a tricky double negative.
‘I can deny that it’s NOT happening,’ he smiled, letting several seconds pass before audiences finally caught on and erupted into applause.
Harrison also revealed that the saga will begin filming again this summer.
Exciting news: After several delays in production, star Harrison Ford revealed during an appearance on Ellen earlier in February that filming was set to begin this summer
Ford said he was still ‘excited to play Indie, 39 years after originally playing the adventurous archaeologist.
‘It’s gonna be fun,’ he told Ellen ‘I am excited. They’re great fun to make.’
The motion picture was originally due for release in July 2019, before it was later pushed back to July 2020 and Disney issued an amended schedule in July 2018, which listed Indiana Jones 5 as coming out on July 9, 2021.
Partners: Spielberg has directed the four previous Indiana Jones films and will remain closely involved with the project which is slated for a 2021 release (Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg in Raiders of the Lost Ark 1981)
Indiana Jones first won over audiences with 1981’s Raiders Of The Lost Ark – largely considered one of the best films in the action-adventure genre.
It was followed up by the equally beloved prequel Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom in 1984, and then later the sequel Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade in 1989.
Indie got the reboot treatment once more in 2008 with Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, which was slammed by fans and critics.
Big time! Ford said he was still ‘excited’ to play Indie, 39 years after originally playing the adventurous archaeologist (Harrison Ford in Raiders Of The Lost Ark – 1981)