Because Lucasfilm wants to wait until Harrison Ford is physically unable to do the role, the fifth Indiana Jones film will miss its originally planned July 10, 2020 release date, according to Variety. Luckily(?), the project’s face hasn’t totally melted off yet, with Lucasfilm recruiting Solo co-writer Jonathan Kasdan to write a new draft of the script.
Yes, that Jon Kasdan, son of Lawrence Kasdan (or Larry, if you’re that close to him). The elder Kasdan is responsible for movies like The Big Chill, but genre nuts will recognize him credited as a writer for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens, and of course, Raiders of the Lost Ark. The father-son duo teamed up for the first time professionally for Solo, which probably should not be the model for Lucasfilm to follow.
Steven Spielberg is bullish to direct Harrison Ford as his iconic character once again, even if we aren’t bullish to watch anything Indy after Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. But Spielberg will instead be working on a West Side Story remake, tabling the Shia-less Indy 5 for the time being. Maybe while directing the “Cool” number Spielberg will learn to chill the fuck out with Indy sequels.
‘Indiana Jones 5’ Will Miss 2020 Release Date [Variety]
‘Solo’ Scribe Jonathan Kasdan Writing ‘Indiana Jones 5’ for Steven Spielberg [Collider]