Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy recently hinted at the future prospects of the Indiana Jones franchise. While the upcoming release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has been treated as a conclusive chapter, Kennedy’s comments suggest that the iconic IP may continue beyond Indy 5.

Indiana Jones’ Last Stand:

Kennedy confirmed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny would mark Harrison Ford’s final appearance in the franchise. She expressed the view that if Lucasfilm were to pursue future projects, they might explore the possibility of a series format:

“Harrison’s last entry… If we were to do anything, it might be in series television down the road, but we’re not doing anything to replace Indiana Jones. This is it. There are five movies that Harrison Ford did. And Harrison is so specific and so unique to creating this role. We just, Steven [Spielberg] agrees, we just wouldn’t do that.”

Ford himself has previously stated that this film would be his last portrayal of the character, asserting that he does not anticipate being replaced.

The Potential Series Direction:

Reports have circulated about a potential Indiana Jones series focusing on a young Abner Ravenwood, the father of Marion Ravenwood and Jones’ mentor as referenced in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). Ford indicated that he would not be involved in such a project if it were to come to fruition.

Fans expressed concerns about the likelihood of an Indiana Jones series due to rumors suggesting that Lucasfilm would solely concentrate on the Star Wars franchise. However, Kennedy’s comments indicate that the door remains open for further exploration of the Indiana Jones universe.

Considerations For Continuing The Story:

The possibility of an Indy spin-off series depends on the performance of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and the level of fan interest it generates. Lucasfilm would need to carefully select the direction of any potential spin-off, as it would require sustaining audience engagement without the presence of Harrison Ford’s titular hero.

Even if Lucasfilm greenlights an Indiana Jones spin-off, its development is likely years away. The ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike further adds to the potential delay. Kennedy referred to the series as a project that would materialize “down the road.” Nevertheless, the fact that the studio president mentioned the possibility demonstrates Lucasfilm’s willingness to continue the franchise, despite Indy 5 being portrayed as the final farewell to the beloved adventurer.