Just when you thought the acting pool for Indiana Jones 5 couldn’t get any more exciting, a new and surprising casting decision has been made. The currently-filming sequel has co-writer/director James Mangold already working with the likes of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen and, of course, Harrison Ford. But now, Antonio Banderas has been announced as joining the cast, and wow, that is indeed an impressive hire.
Freshly reported by Deadline, Antonio Banderas is the latest in the long line of amazing talent netted to star in Indiana Jones 5. That said, his exact role in the film has not been disclosed just yet, as the fourth sequel in the legendary Lucasfilm franchise is still in the midst of production. Whether he be friend or foe, Banderas joining the Indiana Jones 5 cast is still pretty amazing, and is the latest sign that Harrison Ford’s final adventure in the fedora is planning to pull out all the stops.
What’s even more interesting about Antonio Banderas’ casting in Indiana Jones 5 is that the actor has had links to other modern blockbusters that have drawn inspiration from Steven Spielberg’s previous entries. More recently, Banderas was cast in Sony’s live-action adaptation of the famed video game franchise Uncharted; but the actor was also considered as a villain in the unmade fourth Mummy movie. So treasure, adventure and a little bit of the mystical seem to have always been Antonio Banderas’ destiny, and now he’s going to be partaking in all three!
This latest round of casting also feels like it’s destined to muddy the waters as to who the true villain of Indiana Jones 5 is. With international superstars like Mads Mikkelsen and Thomas Kretschmann already slotted into this sequel’s roster, either of those actors could be the big bad. But Antonio Banderas could also be a heel, especially after his turn as a charming psychopath/baddie in The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. Then again, Banderas has been known to have a goofy charm of his own, and wonderful comedic timing, which could see him stepping in as a new ally in the vein of Marcus Brody or even Sallah.
Cameras are already rolling on Indiana Jones 5, which means we might actually see some set photos of Antonio Banderas at work before the year is out. While we probably won’t get too many details from those stolen glances, it’ll help keep the speculation mill turning as we wait to see the finished film in theaters. For now, we’ll just have to enjoy thinking up the various scenarios that see Banderas and Harrison Ford going head to head on the big screen, and all the excitement that entails.
Cracking the whip of excitement, Indiana Jones 5 will hit theaters on July 29, 2022. Antonio Banderas fans can get a much sooner dose of his comedic charms with The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, which is currently in theaters. And for everyone else looking for a night out at the movies, the 2021 release schedule is here for all of your planning needs.
