The Indiana Jones series has become one of the most valued properties in cinema over the years. The first three films in the franchise – Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, and The Last Crusade – garnered over a billion dollars at the box office, creating a huge desire from fans for a fourth instalment. Unfortunately, viewers weren’t thrilled by 2008’s The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, as many criticised the dialogue and storyline. Despite this, the film was supremely successful, making over $790 million at the box office.
Last year it was announced a fifth Indiana Jones film had begun production.
Even more exciting was the added news that Harrison Ford would be returning to his iconic role as Dr Henry Jones for the fifth time.
News about the next film has been quiet since last year, but the latest report from Hollywood insiders suggests some big things are coming for the Indiana Jones franchise as a whole.
According to a report from source Daniel Richtman, Indiana Jones 5 will be the first film in a long list of multiple spin-off movies.
READ MORE: Indiana Jones fans notice pivotal scene edited out of Channel 4 broadcast – ‘Butchered!’
This multiple spin-off approach could be likened to that of the latest films in the Star Wars franchise.
After Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens was released in 2015, Disney went on to release Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in 2016, and Solo: A Star Wars Story in 2018.
It has long been rumoured that the fifth Indiana Jones movie may be Ford’s final foray as the character, so the spin-offs could work as an extension of the franchise.
Crystal Skull introduced Shia LaBeouf as Mutt, Jones’ son and heir apparent.
If Ford’s journey is brought to an end in the fifth film, these spin-off movies could focus solely on Mutt and his transition into becoming the next legendary Jones hero.
Earlier this week former Indiana Jones star John Rhys-Davies spoke out about when filming would begin for Indiana Jones 5.
The actor previous played Sallah Mohammed Faisel el-Kahir in Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade.
Speaking in an interview this week, Rhys-Davies announced: “I understand the film is going to be made, allegedly in May.”
The Lord of the Rings star continued: “I have the slightest skepticism that the world will be able to shoot a movie like that in May.”
He then went on to speak about the possibility of his return to the series, adding: “I suppose it is possible that I will be asked to be in it. If nominated I will serve! (laughs)”
Rhys-Davies added: “I think we ought to wait a little bit longer and, you know, let our masters actually make announcements and then you can either share my joy or my disappointment. Is that suitably diplomatic?”
The actor famously did not make a return in The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull after being asked to by the production company.
At the time, Rhys-Davies explained he declined the offer after he was told what he might be doing.
He explained: “I was asked to be in the last one, but they wanted me to do a bit of green-screen – walk in, sit down and clap – and they were going to cut that into the wedding scene at the end.
“I turned it down because it seemed to me that that would be a bit of a betrayal of the audience’s expectations. Sallah is a popular character – there’s a greatness of soul about him that we all love and admire.”
The Indiana Jones films are available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
