Indiana Jones 5: Shia LaBeouf won't return for new film
Screenwriter David Koepp has confirmed that Mutt Williams won't be a part of the next chapter in the adventures of our favourite archaeologist
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Indiana Jones 5 is still quietly in the works.
Certainly, Disney and Lucasfilm's focus on Star Wars means the hype for the adventuring sequel has been fairly muted ever since the film's announcement, which confirmed Harrison Ford would be back as the whip-wielding archaeologist.
However, we've finally been given a small update on the project thanks to screenwriter David Koepp, who revealed to Entertainment Weekly that the script is near completion.
"We’re plugging away at it. In terms of when we would start, I think that’s up to Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Ford," he said. "I know we’ve got a script we’re mostly happy with. Work will be endless, of course, and ongoing, and Steven just finished shooting The Post... If the stars align, hopefully it’ll be his next film."
One thing Koepp could reveal is that Shia LaBeouf's Mutt Williams - AKA Indy's son, Henry Jones III - would not return after his appearance in 2008's Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It's a decision that makes sense on a couple of levels: Disney will be keen to distance itself from the much-maligned fourth film, just as it did with the Star Wars prequels to some degree.
Furthermore, it fits in with the rumours Indy 5 will help introduce a successor to Ford's character; Mutt was hinted at fulfilling just such a role at the end of Crystal Skull, where Indy's hat is seen flying in the breeze and landing at Mutt's feet, but that's clearly off the table now.
In terms of the plot? All Koepp said was that the film would involve "some precious artefact that they're all looking for". Sounds about right.
Follow the Independent's Culture Facebook page for all the latest on TV, Film, Music, and more.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments