Well, here’s a bit of a shocker, as Steven Spielberg has stepped down as director on Lucasfilm’s long-gestating Indiana Jones 5, with Variety reporting that Logan and Ford v Ferrari director James Mangold is in talks to succeed him in the director’s chair.
According to Variety, Spielberg himself has decided to step away from directing, with the filmmaker looking to hand over the reigns to a new generation who can bring their perspective to the story.
Indiana Jones 5 will mark the first film in the franchise’s 39-year history not to be directed by Spielberg, although he will remain very hands on in a producing role. George Lucas is also absent for the first time, having produced the first four movies, although Harrison Ford is still attached to play the archaeologist and adventurer.
The film is currently slated for release in July 2021, having already been pushed back twice from its planned 2019 and 2020 dates. Ford recently stated that he expected to start filming “in about two months”, although he’s since suggested that may not be the case as they have “some scheduling issues and a few script things to do” before moving ahead. Throw in this director change, and it certainly wouldn’t be surprising if the movie is delayed once again.
SEE ALSO: Harrison Ford says Indiana Jones 5 will resolve a part of Indy’s history
What do you think of James Mangold as a director for Indiana Jones 5? Do you think the movie will actually ever see the light of day? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, or on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
