Confirming an earlier report from back in February, legendary film producer Frank Marshall has revealed in an article posted on Collider that director James Mangold will be fact be helming the currently-untitled fifth theatrical film in the Indiana Jones franchise. Indy 5 was initially set to be directed by Steven Spielberg, but things have obviously changed on that front since February’s report.
Currently scheduled to be released by Disney in 2022, Indy 5 originally had Steven Spielberg returning to direct Ford. Since then, we’ve learned that Spielberg has stepped away to allow James Mangold (Logan) to take over directorial duties, the first time anyone other than Spielberg has directed an Indy film. Marshall explained why Mangold was the ideal choice to take over for Spielberg: “His love of the franchise. He’s a wonderful filmmaker. I think he also has a relationship with Harrison. It was all of the right pieces coming together, at the right time.” I must agree with Mr. Marshall — I think Mangold is an expert at twisting old-fashioned genres and tropes with just enough postmodern intrigue to result in comforting yet challenging Hollywood movies. And for those who are still worried about Spielberg’s exit, fear not: “Steven is staying on as a producer, so we’ve got the best of everything.”
Marshall also revealed in the article that the production team has just started writing the script for the film, which could indicate Mangold’s decision to revamp the story on a grand scale and/or Disney’s desire to wipe the slate clean and start fresh.
Indy 5 is scheduled to land in theaters on July 29, 2022.
