Disney has reportedly greenlit more Indiana Jones installments—but don’t expect to see Harrison Ford in the lead role.
The Origins of an Iconic Franchise
Over four decades ago, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg revolutionized the adventure genre with the debut of Indiana Jones, chronicling the exploits of Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones, Jr., an archaeologist who embarks on daring quests to uncover ancient artifacts and thwart adversaries.
The first film, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), introduced audiences to the whip-wielding hero and became a major box-office hit, leading to four sequels: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023).
While Lucas and Spielberg’s creative vision shaped the series, it was Harrison Ford’s portrayal of the intrepid archaeologist that turned the character into a cultural phenomenon. Ford’s charm, wit, and daring physicality defined the role, which many consider among his career’s most iconic performances.
A New Era for Indiana Jones
Despite the franchise’s latest installment, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, underperforming at the box office, fans have expressed enthusiasm for Ford to reprise the role. However, the actor—now 82 years old—has confirmed that this film marks his final appearance as Indiana Jones, saying, “This is the last time I’ll play the character.”
Still, the franchise isn’t retiring with Ford. In December 2024, a video game titled Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launched, with Troy Baker voicing the titular character while maintaining Ford’s likeness. The game is set in 1937, between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The storyline follows Jones as he races against various groups seeking to unlock a powerful secret tied to the Great Circle, a series of mysterious locations worldwide that form a perfect circle on a map. Players journey through real-world settings like Vatican City, Thailand, Egypt, and Shanghai in a quest filled with action and intrigue.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle received widespread acclaim for its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking narrative. Critics lauded its exploration of themes such as the dangers of far-right ideology and the manipulation of disaffected individuals. The Guardian particularly praised the game for its depth, stating it “acutely dissects far-right ideology as a whole and actively explores how aspiring autocrats build their power on the bodies of disaffected young men.”
The game’s success has reportedly prompted Disney to pursue additional installments. According to journalist Jez Corden, speaking on the Xbox Two podcast, “Disney picked up the phone and wants more Indiana Jones.”
While this claim remains unconfirmed, it aligns with Disney’s long-standing interest in expanding the franchise beyond Harrison Ford’s tenure. Developing a video game universe could allow the company to continue profiting from the beloved series without recasting the iconic role in live-action projects.
Disney has previously explored other ways to expand the Indiana Jones brand, including a spinoff TV show. However, Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider reported in 2023 that this series had been shelved, stating, “I’m told that Ravenwood Indiana Jones series at Lucasfilm is dead. And I’m told that Disney has told Lucasfilm, ‘You’re only making Star Wars stuff from now on.'”
As Disney charts a new path forward for Indiana Jones, the question remains: can the franchise thrive without Harrison Ford?
