One of the many writers who have participated in theIndiana Jonesfranchise has now addressed the possibility of continuing the journey of the archaeology professor and adventurer following recent rumors that a reboot is in the works. ScreenwriterDavid Koeppis no stranger to the world of blockbuster IPs, and his latest movie,Jurassic World Rebirth, has shown signs of revivingthe dinosaur franchise. Could the intrepid adventurer now get the same treatment?
Koepp is currently enjoying the recent release ofJurassic World Rebirth,his official return to the universecreated by Steven Spielberg. The film solidly revives the spirit of the first twoJurassic Parkmovies, which isn’t a coincidence considering Koepp wrote 1993’sJurassic Parkand 1997’sThe Lost World: Jurassic Park. However, these are not the only Spielberg movies he has worked on. Koepp also wrote 2005’sWar of the Worldsand 2008’sIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
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The writer sat down to chat with The Hollywood Reporter while promotingRebirth. Koepp offered his opinion on other movies, like thestill untitled Spielberg UFO project, andMission: Impossible(he was a co-writer on the 1996 Brian De Palma movie). However, when asked aboutIndiana Jones, Koepp is not optimistic, but he does offer an alternative way to continue the franchise. Though it’s an idea that’s likely to be divisive among fans:
“Well, I don’t see it continuing. Everybody made it pretty clear. Harrison was like, ‘Yeah, I’m done.’ So it would need to be somebody’s brand new idea about how to come at that.
I’d watch it as a streaming show. Streaming is perfectly suited to a serial adventure, which is what Indiana Jones was. He could have a season-long goal, and you don’t have to wrap up the story every week like withThe Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. But I think their plan is to just let it be for a while.”
As revealed recently, Lucasfilm had been developing a TV series before the release of the last film in the series,Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The 2023 film directed by James Mangold made millions at the box office, but it was also expensive. Although it made $384 million, it was considered a flop that buried Disney’s further plans. However, according to a recent report from the industry insider team of The DisInsider, Lucasfilm is doing exactly what Koepp is saying: letting things settle. Their report also suggests that an announcement may come next year at the D23 Expo. Keep in mind that this is only a rumor.
How Can a Future ‘Indiana Jones’ Movie (or TV Show) Connect With Modern Audiences?
As exciting as it was to see Indy wearing the hat and using the whip in the lastIndiana Jonesfilm, it was also confirmation thatthe franchise needs to move on. Harrison Ford’s age is a significant factor, just as it has been for other long-running action franchises (Tom Cruise has decided to endMission: Impossible, and age is probably one of the reasons). Yes, Ford is still appealing and nostalgia plays a huge role in the success of these movies. But is it worth the money, or the risk of releasing such a major and expensive production?
The answer to a futureIndiana Jonessuccess may lie in Koepp’s idea of a streaming show. Of course, Indy would have to be recast. And while we’re on that note, who do you think could play the fearless adventurer? And do you even want to see Indy head to streaming on the small-screen and potentially bewatered down like so many othermajor franchises?
