Spielberg, Ford to reunite for fifth ‘Indiana Jones’
Film to be released in July 2019; 73-year-old actor set to reprise iconic role as adventure-seeking archaeologist
“Indiana Jones” is swinging back into theaters with Harrison Ford reprising the iconic role and Steven Spielberg directing.
The Walt Disney Co. announced Tuesday that the fifth film in the action adventure series will open July 19, 2019.
“Indiana Jones is one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history, and we can’t wait to bring him back to the screen in 2019,” said Alan Horn, chairman of the Walt Disney Studios. “It’s rare to have such a perfect combination of director, producers, actor and role, and we couldn’t be more excited to embark on this adventure with Harrison and Steven.”
Another “Indiana Jones” film has long been rumored, occasionally with whispers of different actors taking over the role from the 73-year-old Ford. But Spielberg has repeatedly insisted Ford would never be replaced. The actor’s return as his famous fedora-wearing archaeologist comes shortly after reprising his equally iconic Han Solo in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Disney in 2013 took over rights to the “Indiana Jones” franchise from Paramount Films and since then reports have been swirling that a fifth installment was in the works.
“Indiana Jones” burst onto the screen in 1981 with “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” followed by “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” in 1984 and “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” in 1989.
Ford, 73, and Spielberg reunited in 2008 for the fourth installment of the series, “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” which got lukewarm reviews and reunited an aging Jones with his “Raiders” love interest Karen Allen. The movie, which followed a nearly 20-year gap in the franchise, also introduced Shia LeBeouf as their son.
The franchise has grossed nearly $2 billion worldwide.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
