Steven Spielberg may not be directing Indiana Jones 5 anymore, but his exit from the project opens up a world of new possibilities. James Mangold, know for the success of his recent films Logan and Ford v. Ferrari, is currently in talks to be his replacement and helm the fifth entry in the classic franchise. The switch in creative vision should come as exciting news to fans of the series, as Spielberg has proven that he cannot always capture the charm and adventurous spirit that makes Indiana Jones so fun. Furthermore, Mangold has evolved into a director adept at tackling diverse genres while maintaining a classically cinematic feel within his body of work.
Spielberg's mastery over the Hollywood blockbuster made Raiders of the Lost Ark one of the most profitable and critically acclaimed films upon its debut in 1981. The director managed to capture the excitement and thrill of the short, episodic adventure serials that played in theaters during the early days of moviegoing. The simplicity of the plot benefitted its suspenseful action and harrowing set pieces, while also complementing Harrison Ford's undeniably charismatic performance. It was as much a spectacle of the cutting-edge present day as it was a tribute to past cinematic experiences. The sequels didn't quite capture the same fresh charm as Raiders did, but they nonetheless continued to perform well commercially and retain Indy's hold on the public consciousness.
However, longtime fans of the franchise ridiculed the fourth movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, for its absurd story, inane dialogue and overblown use of CGI. The film was an awkward mix of forced nostalgia and ludicrous new ideas involving an extraterrestrial connection to the main artifact. It was obvious that Spielberg was too hesitant to introduce fresh concepts that would have made Indy more interesting, while also attempting to overcompensate for this issue with science-fiction elements that were completely out of place in the swashbuckling world of Indiana Jones. The sense of self-aware campiness may have been present in the goofy action sequences, but the heart of the original trilogy seemed to be strangely missing. In its place was a rote dryness that exposed Spielberg's reluctance to make another Indiana Jones movie in the nearly twenty years between The Last Crusade and Crystal Skull.
With all that said, it's the right time for Spielberg to hand control of Indiana Jones 5 over to a new director. The franchise needs someone that can introduce a fresh take on the character and avoid getting mired by nostalgia. It's ironic that George Lucas and Steven Spielberg's reverence for the past was what made the original Indiana Jones so memorable and iconic, but perhaps the series became too focused on recreating its own successes instead of embracing a new future. Despite an underdeveloped father-son relationship and a shoddy sci-fi mystery, it was more of the same.
James Mangold may just be the perfect choice to capture the spirit of Indy and his high-wire treasure hunts. The acclaimed director has been praised for his ability to evoke a sense of classic Hollywood cinema for modern audiences, whether it be the Western themes of Logan or the old-fashioned sports drama of Ford v Ferrari. However, Mangold's reinvention of Wolverine has also proven that he can add a new layer of depth to beloved characters. The new Indiana Jones film needs to be adventurous in every sense of the word, and Mangold may just be the guy to craft the journey.
Starring Harrison Ford, the currently untitled fifth Indiana Jones film is set to be released on July 9, 2021.