Harrison Ford's upcoming appearance in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny marks his final appearance as the iconic archaeology professor. However, the actor also believes that it will mark the final appearance of the character himself on the screen.
In an interview with Total Film, Ford stated, "This is the final film in the series, and this is the last time I’ll play the character. I anticipate that it will be the last time that he appears in a film." He added that while he is aware of the television series currently in the works, he will not be involved in it.
Harrison Ford's Final Indiana Jones Performance
Ford last played Jones 15 years ago in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which was one of the franchises' most divisive instalments, despite generally positive reviews from critics. When asked why he returned to for one more film, Ford previously explained that it was so he could provide Indy with a more complete arc. "I wanted to see [Indiana Jones] at a later stage of his life, when he’s beyond the youthful enthusiasm and capacity, and beset by age and [stifled by academia]... I wanted to see him engage on one more unexpected, unanticipated adventure."
While the franchise continues to enjoy an enthusiastic fanbase, Disney and Lucasfilm confirmed that this will be the final instalment in the saga, which is a facet the studios have been pushing in much of Dial of Destiny's marketing thus far. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy previously stated that Ford is crucial to the character and that without him, there is no Indiana Jones. "We would never make Indiana Jones without Harrison Ford," she said.
Lucasfilm's Indiana Jones Franchise
Ford made his debut as Dr. Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones, Jr. back in Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981, following after his breakout role in Star Wars as Han Solo. The success of the film led to several sequels released over the course of the '80s, including Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in 1984 and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in 1989, followed by Kingdom of the Crystal Skull nearly two decades later in 2008.
Regarding reports of a series, it was previously suggested that Disney+ is developing a live-action series. Details were scarce and there was only speculation regarding what the focus of the show would be and how it would depict Indiana Jones. Since then, it has been rumored that Lucasfilm scrapped the project to focus on building the Star Wars franchise.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is set to hit theaters on June 30.
Source: Total Film