Harrison Ford Says He’s Done Playing Indiana Jones

As we prepare for the release of the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, many of us are wondering what happens next before even seeing the film. It’s no secret that Harrison Ford isn’t as young as he used to be. The 81-year-old actor has delighted fans with his sharp quips and classic action sequences since the 60s. But Ford got personal when discussing Dr. Jones in a recent interview, and he alluded to his involvement with the franchise’s future.

It’s been a joyous and memorable run for Harrison Ford. He’s given us many outstanding performances in multiple roles for decades, but one, in particular, seems to be at its conclusion. Ford was recently interviewed as part of a promotion for the fifth and (apparently) final film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. During the interview, Ford made it clear that his age would play a prominent role in his future selections as an actor and that he wanted to utilize it to help bring the story of Dr. Indiana Jones to a close. Ford suggests that it was “time for him to grow up.“

Credit: Lucasfilm

“Six years ago, I thought maybe we ought to take a shot at making another one. And I wanted it to be about age because I think that rounds out the story that we’ve told and we brought it to the right place. I mean, the last one ended in kind of a suspended animation. There was not a real strong feeling of the conclusion or the closure that I always hoped for, the roundness and speaking to this issue of age. Not making jokes about it, but making it a real thing.” – Ford was quoted during an interview with Variety.

Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm

Harrison went on to explain that his role had a significant impact on the latest version of Indy, and fans can expect the culmination of the character to take advantage of the fact that Indiana Jones is no longer a young man. “I wanted it to be character driven. And I wanted us to confront the question of age straight on. Not to hide my age, but to take advantage of it in the telling of the story.” said Ford. It would seem that Ford wishes to go out as he expects Indiana would do by embracing his age and not ignoring it. Mr. Ford insists that this latest work would not make a joke of his age but instead use it to conclude the story. 

Fans of Harrison Ford need not worry just yet. Although the actor is 81 and says he will not return as Indiana Jones, he is still slated to be in a few future projects. One of note will be the MCU’s upcoming Thunderbolts production. Ford also went on to say that he doesn’t do well when he isn’t working, suggesting that he will take other jobs in the future. In addition, fans can still have one last run with Dr. Jones as Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny comes to theatres on June 30.