Director Steven Spielberg and star Harrison Ford will make a fifth “Indiana Jones” film, to screen July 19, 2019, Disney announced Tuesday.
The release from the studio describes “a fifth epic adventure in the blockbuster series,” adding: “Steven Spielberg, who directed all four previous films, will helm the as-yet-untitled project with star Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role. Franchise veterans Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall will produce.”
Production of a new installment about the swashbuckling archaeologist fits with Disney’s strategy of focusing on big-budget franchise films that can attract big audiences but also provide myriad spin-off ancillary opportunities via other media, theme park attractions and merchandising. The first Indiana Jones film, “Raiders of the Los Ark,” debuted in 1981. The last, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” came in 2008.
Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn called the Jones character “one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history,” adding, “It’s rare to have such a perfect combination of director, producers, actor and role, and we couldn’t be more excited to embark on this adventure with Harrison and Steven.”
The four previous Jones films — including 1984’s “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” and 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” have brought in nearly $2 billion in box office worldwide
