Make way for a new Indiana Jones movie and a new (and definitive) score by John Williams.
Between Lucasfilm’s aggressive Star Wars slate and Disney’s emphasis on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it can be hard to remember that 2023 will see a brand new Indiana Jones starring Harrison Ford once again. This time Steven Spielberg takes on the role of producer and hands over direction to James Mangold (Ford versus Ferrari, logan), With fleasack‘s Phoebe Waller-Bridge has a major lead role (rumored to be a passing of the torch for possible sequels). Mads Mikkelsen, Antonio Banderas, Toby Jones and Shaunette Renée Wilson complete the cast. That should be big.
But whether the whip-wielding archaeologist has the blockbuster credibility to draw moviegoers back, in terms of successful throwbacks like Jurassic world and Top Gun: Maverick, is a great unknown. Despite some of the worst reviews of Spielberg’s career, the previous entry in the 2008 Indiana Jones series was provocative Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, has grossed over $700 million worldwide. And looking back… well it has some good scenes! Forget the CG monkeys and enjoy a wild motorcycle chase with Mr. Mutt Williams and the now-iconic/memetic Nuking the fridge. There’s reason to believe a new sequel could fly.
That’s how it can be without a title Indiana Jones 5 overcome the sour taste of crystal skull to end the series on a high note? (Or better yet, start something new with Waller-Bridge in this IP-harvesting era?) One piece of the puzzle is sure to be gold no matter what: John Williams’ score.
The 90-year-old composer, who has been in business since the 1950s and has worked with Spielberg since their directorial debut in 1974 The Sugarland Express
Written for Waller-Bridge’s new character, Williams said Mangold gave him permission to debut the play almost nine months ahead of the release date. As for the sound, he said in his introduction that he drew directly from the Helena character.
“She’s adventurous and also a femme fatale. She is many, many things. Her music… she has lyrical music like an old movie star, except she’s young and beautiful and wonderful.”
Watch an unofficial video shared by Mangold on Twitter from the concert above. Indiana Jones 5 will hit theaters on June 30, 2023. Could Williams’ musical signal get more out of the upcoming Disney D23 Expo? We’ll be keeping our eyes and ears open during the Lucasfilm panel, so check back next weekend for more.
