There’s been plenty of speculation that Phoebe Waller-Bridge is taking over the mantle of Indiana Jones. It’s something that the Overlord DVD YouTube channel has been covering for months, before anyone else. But what should we make of the rumors and the idea that Kathleen Kennedy is semi-privately bragging about the move?
First, let’s divide this rumor into two parts that are important to separate:
Rumor 1: Waller-Bridge is going to upstage Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones 5 and be positioned by the end of the film to take the mantle of Indy.
Rumor 2: Waller-Bridge is going to be the new head of the franchise going forward.
Before we break these two rumors down, which are often conflated into the same thing, let me first give my credentials. I don’t do this often (as opposed to what some on a certain forum might say), but I’ve broken quite a few Indiana Jones stories before anyone else. From the amount of CGI going into the film to make the film possible, to the reveal that Harrison Ford was out of work for months due to injury, I’ve been pretty darn solid on leaks. I also have to give Kudos to Grace Randolph for breaking the injury info on the same day I did — as far as I know, she was the only other person brave enough to counter Disney’s official narrative.
So what is the truth when it comes to the Waller-Bridge rumors?
As for the first rumor, it does seem that Waller-Bridge is being positioned to upstage Ford in the movie. What I’ve been hearing for months is that the script is Indy-centric for the first third, but transitions to younger actors taking the lead by the end. I assume Waller-Bridge is the lead in that. I also think the idea that she is positioned within the movie to by the new adventuring archaeologist is 100% in line with what Kathleen Kennedy wants. It also keeps the character of Indiana Jones “owned” by Harrison Ford, while the franchise can move forward so Disney makes money.
Replaced?
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is not only appearing in the upcoming fifth Indiana Jones movie – but is tipped to replace Harrison Ford as the protagonist in the next movie after as a female version of the archaeology professor.#HarrisonFord #IndianaJones #PhoebeWallerBridge pic.twitter.com/VlRhSIHmkl
— S35 Film🍿 (@Studio35Film1) September 14, 2021
However, the second rumor is far less likely.
While Kennedy wants a female-lead for future Indy-related films, she will essentially be gone from Lucasfilm before any of that can happen. My sources say that Kennedy is receiving a short-term contract extension — although that can change prior to the announcement in the next few weeks (unlikely as it may be). It’s almost certain that Kennedy will not be renewed past the next contract, if only because of her age. And that means that the future of Indiana Jones will ultimately be in the hands of a completely different team. That team will be installed by Bob Chapek, and Chapek is no fan of Kathleen Kennedy.
Let Kennedy try to pull a fast one where she forces the hands of future writers. Ultimately, it’s going to be up to other people to take the story wherever it goes. I don’t currently have any trust in Disney to do well by the series at any point in the future, but for now, it probably won’t be because of Kathleen Kennedy.
Perhaps Indiana Jones 5 will be the last film she affects. That’s probably for the best.
