With rights to the Indiana Jones franchise falling into the hands of Disney with just about every other major franchise out there right now, it’s been expected they’d do something with Indy, but what? Initial thought was an Indiana Jones 5, but with no movement on that front and Harrison Ford not getting any younger a new rumor from Latino Review doesn’t sound entirely far fetched.
The site reports Bradley Cooper is at the top of the studio’s list to step into Ford’s shoes and keep the franchise alive. They also suggest not thinking of this as a reboot, but instead a recasting, much like the Bond series of films. Personally I don’t know if that’s entirely necessary, given Indiana Jones has always been cognizant of Indy’s age. While there may not have been explicit references to his age, the fact Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull presents Shia LaBeouf as Jones’ son, I’d say having a 22-year-old son is enough to confirm he’s no spring chicken. Well, that and the fact it looked like he could hardly walk through most of the picture.
As for this idea of Cooper taking over the Indy mantle… Well, it doesn’t immediately seem like the most ingenious casting, largely because it seems we’ve seen Cooper’s schtick and I don’t see Indiana Jones. I see more of a sarcastic, eyes bugging out, pretty boy.
Latino Review suggests the studio is looking at others, and while they suggest Cooper is atop the list, I wouldn’t go expecting a new Indiana Jones film any time soon. There’s been word Frank Darabont (The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones) has pitched an idea, but an idea is far from a finished script, but on top of casting I wonder who would direct.
I doubt Steven Spielberg would be back and J.J. Abrams can’t direct every studio tentpole reboot. So who’s left? Is it important to tap into that Spielbergian vibe or is it okay to completely reinvent the franchise for a new audience, hoping fans of the original buy in?
Growing up with Indiana Jones, I can’t really imagine anyone other than Ford in the lead role. That said, I don’t ever want to see Ford pick up that whip again. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was pretty much a piece of junk. Ford’s time has past. Whether that means the franchise must continue without him is something I’ll leave to the suits in Hollywood, but I just can’t see it ever being the same.
