By George Bate and Julie Catherine
James Mangold and Harrison Ford presented footage from Indiana Jones 5 (yes, we still need to call it Indy 5 as the title remains a mystery) at Lucasfilm’s studio presentation at D23 Expo 2022.
Mangold spoke of his collaborations with George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, and John Williams in making the new film.
Meanwhile, Harrison Ford was very emotional as he saw the crowd cheer for him and the character he has played since 1981. “This one is fantastic,” Ford said. “We have a very human story…and a movie that will kick your ass.”
An emotional Ford stated that this will likely be his last D23 and, in turn, his last time playing Indiana Jones. As the crowd showed their displeasure, Ford jokingly said, “I will not fall down for you again.”
As for the footage itself, needless to say Indiana Jones is back.
The footage was quickly cut together, taking a bit of time before showing Indy himself only to reveal a de-aged Harrison Ford. Although brief, the technology used to de-age Harrison Ford here was jaw dropping and rivals the incredible work ILM did with Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker in The Book of Boba Fett.
An older Indy, still teaching as a university professor, is also shown and confirms that the story will likely feature moments from two different time periods. Some scenes feature Nazis and clearly take place during World War II, whereas others look to be set at least several decades later.
Indy says his days of adventure have “come and gone,” but his friend Sallah reminds me, “Perhaps…perhaps not.”
The footage showcased a number of beautiful looking action sequences. Remember, director Mangold previously helmed Logan and Ford vs. Ferrari and clearly has a keen eye for exciting visuals and action sequences.
Some of the action involves Boyd Holbrook’s villainous character chasing Indy through the streets of a crowded New York City on horseback. Other action features trains, planes, and automobiles.
There’s a moment in which an older Indiana Jones stands at the front of a table full of intimidating men. Jones unleashes his whip to get the crowd to pay attention to him and take him seriously. Suddenly, all the men around the table pull out guns and start shooting at a ducking Indy. It’s this sort of funny action sequence that has been a hallmark of the Indiana Jones franchise since Raiders of the Lost Ark, and it looks to be continuing in Mangold’s film.
Also joining Ford on stage (and on screen in the footage shown) was Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The Fleabag star spoke glowingly of working with Mangold and Ford, and clearly plays a significant role in Indy 5. Indy says Waller-Bridge’s character is his goddaughter in the footage shown, although it’s unclear if this is genuine or a joke.
Highlighting the impact of the footage, Kevin Feige and Michael Giacchino, who were later on stage to talk about Marvel Studios’ Werewolf By Night, couldn’t help themselves from geeking out in front of the massive D23 crowd about the incredible Indiana Jones footage.
To top it all off, Harrison Ford reunited with Short Round himself Ke Huy Quan backstory.
The next Indiana Jones film remains untitled and will hit theaters June 30, 2023.