Rumors are swirling about Disney’s recent test-screenings of James Mangold’s “Indiana Jones 5.” Supposedly, a handful of different endings have been tested and audiences haven’t liked any of them. Furthermore, the rumors indicate that Disney is in a panic over the screenings and that they’re worried the movie will bomb.
One of the endings, which was said to be the least popular one, had Phoebe-Waller Bridge replacing Harrison Ford at the end of the movie. Presumably, this would set up the franchise for further sequels with Ford not returning. Another unpopular conclusion had Ford’s Indiana Jones dying.
The last thing Disney needs is another Indiana Jones movie bombing with audiences, especially after the major shrug that greeted “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”. I’m still holding out hope that this fifth installment will be a return to form, but, I won’t lie, I’m concerned.
Disney obviously wants to milk the Indiana Jones franchise, with even a rumored TV Series in the works, but you need a great movie for that to occur and, as it stands, the last worthy Indy move was released in the late ‘80s.
“Indiana Jones 5” started filming in the UK back in June of 2021. It was supposed to be released this year, but got delayed to the summer of 2023. Steven Spielberg will not be directing the fifth instalment. Instead, it’s director James Mangold (“Ford v Ferrari,” “Logan”) who will be taking over directing duties. Mangold is a solid studio filmmaker, but one wonders if the Indiana Jones series has any juice left in its reservoir.
Although not much is known about the plot, intel suggests that this fifth instalment of Indy will be a time travel movie. I’ve heard this rumour a few times already and it seems as though it is a legitimate one. This could bring an extra added layer of playfulness to the film.
Ford will be 81 by the time the film is released next summer, not to mention that the role is a physically demanding one — is it any wonder that there are doubts if this could actually be pulled off? Ford isn’t out-of-shape in the least bit, but, he is set to become the oldest action star at the movies.