Indiana Jonesmovies and Steven Spielberg are basically synonymous; is it even possible to have one without the other? During pre-production for the highly anticipatedIndiana Jones 5, Spielberg announced he would step down as the film’s director and serve only as a producer. Spielberg has directed every film sinceRaiders of the Lost Ark, so it’s hard to imagine what the world of Indiana Jones looks like without him in the director’s chair.Enter James Mangold, Spielberg’s replacementat the head of Indy’s fifth and final farewell.
Spielberg’s departure may have shocked many, but the loss of the legendary director in no way means fans should be preparing themselves for a disaster in the vein ofKingdom of the Crystal Skull,the widely regarded worst film of the franchise. After all, that film also came out under Spielberg’s watchful eye.
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While some are skeptical about the switch up, James Mangold has already proven that he may be the best man for the job based on his previous work. The director has prior experience working with a beloved character that fans are fiercely protective of. Mangold was behind 2013’sThe Wolverineas well as 2017’sLogan, both of which are based on Wolverine, Marvel’s most popular mutant, played to perfection by Hugh Jackman for 17 years. While the first two Wolverine films left something to be desired (although the second was a big step up from the first),Loganturned that entirely around. There’s still hope that someday Jackman willreprise his role as the cranky mutant, but if it never happens, Mangold’s movie paid tribute and bid farewell to the character with a perfectly executed ending.
Indiana Jones 5is supposed to be Harrison Ford’s final film as the titular character. The film has faced several production stalls, including Ford recently suffering ashoulder injury while rehearsing a fight scene. Like with the Wolverine franchise,Indiana Jones 5could see Mangold finally redeeming the character and giving fans the closure they deserve.
There are also plenty of reasons to trust Mangold that have nothing to do with superheroes. He also directed the acclaimed movieGirl, Interrupted,which won Angelina Jolie an Oscar for best actress in a supporting role. In the same vein of emotional dramas, Mangold also directedWalk The Line, the biopic of Johnny Cash that also earned an Oscar win for Reese Witherspoon’s performance as June Carter. Clearly, the director connects with his actors enough to turn out amazing performances. After decades of being directed by Spielberg, Ford might benefit from working under Mangold instead.
Mangold is also no stranger to detailed action shots, which are an iconic cornerstone of every Indiana Jones movie. His 2007 gem3:10 To Yumais full of gun fights, violent skirmishes, and a lot of action revolving around a moving train. He also directed the 2010 Tom Cruise action flickKnight and Day, which heavily featured every dangerousstunt expected from a Cruise movie. His 2019 filmFord v Ferrariwas the winner of 2 Oscars and also featured stunning car race shots.
The Indiana Jones films are known for their mobile action scenes, so part 5 will need a director who knows how to handle them. From the boulder scene inRaidersto the motorcycle chase inThe Last Crusade,each movie has featured stunning action sequencesthat take audiences for a ride, literally. The action that audiences expect is as canonical to the franchise as Indy’s hatred of snakes and love of museums. Mangold has plenty of experience working with complicated and fiery stunts, it’s highly likely that there’s nothingIndiana Jones 5can throw at him that he can’t handle.
All signs point to Mangold also being extremely protective and passionate about the project, which is just as important of a trait as his impressive resumé is. One thing all of Mangold’s projects have in common, no matter what genre,is their emotional centers and characters. Indiana Jones is known more for his lone-wolf charm than emotions, but, like Wolverine, there is a lot going on below the surface. Especially if you bring up his dad, Henry Jones Sr. A poignant and touching center to the story (surrounded by action, of course) could bring closure to the character in a way Indy fans haven’t seen before.
There are plenty of directors who can make an action film, but Indiana Jones is far from your average popcorn movie. It needs someone willing to defend it, whether it’s quietly or loudly the way Mangold did. It’s a sign that he believes in the project. Even if all other aspects are questionable, a movie with as much pressure on it asIndiana Jones 5needs a leader who is wholeheartedly enthusiastic.
Indiana Jones 5will release in theaters on July 11, 2025.
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