Come on Indy, it’s time to crack the whip! Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones 5 has been in development limbo for three years. Release dates have shifted and screenwriters have shuffled. Fans are getting weary about the long-awaited sequel. Thankfully, with its current date all the way in summer 2021, there’s still time for the production to stay on schedule.
One of the screenwriters previously attached to Indiana Jones 5 has now shared an update. Jurassic Park and Mission: Impossible’s David Koepp was the first writer to be confirmed to pen the script, before word came that Solo’s Jonathan Kasdan and then Tangled’s Dan Fogelman had taken over on separate occasions. In Koepp’s words:
I’m working on it again. We’re still trying. And I think we’ve got a good idea this time. We’ll see.
Anyone else have whiplash? David Koepp confirmed to Den of Geek he’s back on the project. While it’s hopeful to hear the creative behind classics such as the Jurassic Park franchise, 2002’s Spider-Man, and Zathura (but also Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull and 2017’s The Mummy remake) is back, it sounds like the movie has suffered major writer’s block as a whole.
Indiana Jones 5 seems to have cycled through a number of dead ideas, but Koepp thinks they have a good one this time! It’s also a bit concerning to hear news like this. It makes it sound a bit like the idea of bringing Indiana Jones back is high on the minds of the studio but there isn’t a distinct vision for the project.
It’s unclear if either or both Jonathan Kasdan and Dan Fogelman are still on board for the project with him or if David Koepp came back on board as the sole writer for Indiana Jones 5. Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford are confirmed to be returning to the franchise, in what would be a 13-year gap between 2008’s fourth installment.
Harrison Ford has made it clear that he is the only Indiana Jones, debunking rumors that he might pass the torch to a younger actor. In the past, stars such as Chris Pratt and Bradley Cooper have been said to be in talks for the role, but Indiana Jones 5 seems like it’s all about giving the 70-something legend another adventure. Will Karen Allen’s Marion join too?
First, Steven Spielberg is placing his focus on his remake of West Side Story, which is currently filming ahead of its December 18, 2020 release. The musical will star Angel Elgort (Baby Driver and The Goldfinch) as Tony and newcomer Rachel Zegler as Maria. It was penned by his frequent collaborator Tony Kushner (Lincoln and Munich).
If Indiana Jones 5 stays on schedule, it should hit theaters on July 9, 2021.
