It’s still uncertain whether we’ll see another installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, but if — or let’s face it, when — we do get another film, it won’t feature a new face under the fedora. That’s the indication from veteran producer Frank Marshall, at least.
However, that doesn’t rule out another actor (or actress) taking the lead in the popular franchise.
In an interview with Total Film (via Den of Geek), Marshall addressed the widely circulated rumor that Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy actor Chris Pratt was one of the leading contenders to replace Harrison Ford as the intrepid archaeologist Indiana Jones.
“There are a lot of rumours,” said Marshall. “We haven’t even sat down to talk about Indy yet … at some point we’ll sit down. But there’s a bunch of people who could probably take the baton.”
While that last part suggests the studio is open to the idea of recasting the role, Marshall was quick to dismiss the notion.
“We’re not doing the Bond thing where we’re going to call somebody else Indiana Jones,” he said. “We have to figure this out.”
While the final verdict on Indiana Jones’ future has yet to be announced, Marshall would certainly be in the know regarding the iconic character’s fate. A producer on every film in the franchise so far, Marshall is already attached to film the same role on the still-unofficial next installment.
So far, there’s been no official word on the direction the Indiana Jones franchise will take, but with 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull earning more than $786 million worldwide, it’s fairly certain that we haven’t seen the last of the fedora-wearing, whip-cracking hero. Ford himself has indicated that he’s ready and willing to reprise the role, but with the actor approaching age 73, it could be time for him to take on a less active, mentor role in future films.
Given all of the current Star Wars hype, it’s also reasonable to assume that Disney and Lucasfilm are waiting until after the chaos surrounding The Force Awakens dies down before moving forward with Indiana Jones.
