Someone other than Harrison Ford may soon be wearing a fedora.
After the commercial disappointment of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Lucasfilm appears poised to chart a new course for one of its most treasured properties. According to a major report from The Disinsider, the studio is quietly preparing to reboot the Indiana Jones franchise, with a formal announcement potentially arriving as early as next year’s D23 Expo. The project is said to be in early development, with a new take on the character being considered following the retirement of Harrison Ford from the role.
Disney Reportedly Planning Full Reboot of the INDIANA JONES Franchise
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The reboot comes after a turbulent chapter for the franchise. Dial of Destiny, directed by James Mangold, was intended to be a final farewell for Ford, who reprised his iconic role at the age of 81. However, the film failed to meet box office expectations, grossing just $384 million worldwide on a reported budget of $329 million. Forbes estimates the movie resulted in a $134 million loss for Disney. In contrast, 2008’s Kingdom of the Crystal Skull earned over $790 million globally despite its mixed reception.
Though Dial of Destiny underperformed, Lucasfilm and parent company Disney reportedly still view Indiana Jones as a valuable brand with long-term potential. As I have reported in the past via a long-time source, one possible direction involves a “Young Indiana Jones” concept centered on a teenage version of the character, aged around 14 to 16. This would allow the franchise to be refreshed with a new actor while preserving Ford’s portrayal as a distinct chapter of the character’s legacy.
The timing of the reboot also coincides with major changes behind the scenes at Lucasfilm. Longtime studio president Kathleen Kennedy is rumored to be stepping down by August 2025. While Kennedy has publicly denied any immediate plans to retire, numerous outlets—including Bespin Bulletin and Cosmic Book News—have reported that Disney is preparing for a transition in leadership. Speculation points to current executive Carrie Beck and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni as possible successors, either jointly or individually. Kennedy may remain in a producing capacity to ease the handoff.
This change in leadership could have significant implications for the Indiana Jones reboot. Kennedy’s tenure has been marked by a mix of blockbuster hits and polarizing decisions, particularly within the Star Wars franchise. A new generation of leadership may bring a different creative vision to the Indiana Jones brand, possibly with greater sensitivity to fan expectations and the character’s cultural significance.
That sensitivity will be crucial. Harrison Ford has long asserted that only he can play Indiana Jones, famously stating, “When I’m gone, he’s gone.” While Ford has officially retired from the role, any attempt to recast or reimagine the character risks alienating a loyal fan base and diminishing Ford’s legacy if not handled with care. Earlier rumors suggesting Phoebe Waller-Bridge or Chris Pratt could take over the mantle were met with significant backlash and were ultimately abandoned.
Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) in Lucasfilm’s INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
Despite the risks, industry observers note that a carefully crafted reboot—especially one featuring a young Indiana Jones—could resonate with new audiences while preserving the adventurous spirit of the original films. Whether Lucasfilm can strike that balance remains to be seen.
For now, the studio appears content to let the property “rest for a bit,” as reported by The DisInsider. But with plans quietly taking shape behind the scenes and new leadership on the horizon, it’s increasingly clear that Indiana Jones is not destined for the Disney vault. Instead, the legendary archaeologist may soon embark on a brand-new adventure—this time with a much younger face.
It’s only too bad it’s still coming from the same Lucasfilm that has wiped out every franchise it owns over the last decade.
