The lights dimmed. The projector flickered to life. For years, whispers circulated about a lost chapter in the Indiana Jones saga – a story not told on the big screen, but perhaps, one animated for the small screen. Now, it seems those whispers held a grain of truth, quickly buried.
A recent report suggests that Lucasfilm, the creative force behind Indy, had indeed explored the possibility of an animated series. But that’s not all – a live-action spin-off was also considered, then shelved. Both ideas, it seems, never made it out of the temple alive.
According to the Wrap, Rodrigo Blaas, a director from Star Wars Visions, was tapped to develop an animated Indiana Jones series. The concept involved filling in the gaps between the existing movies, showing Indy “getting into scraps” during those untold adventures. The internal code name? “Reggie,” a nod to the snake on Jock Lindsay’s plane in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Think of it as a treasure map that leads to a dead end.
That same report indicates that, back in 2022, Lucasfilm was also playing with a show centered around Abner Ravenwood, Indy’s mentor and Marion Ravenwood’s father. Specifics are scarce, but this concept suffered the same fate. io9 reached out to Lucasfilm for clarification, but received no comment.
Why Were These Indiana Jones Projects Scrapped?
Every writer knows: sometimes your best ideas end up on the cutting room floor. We’re given no concrete explanation for the cancellations, but several factors could have played a part. Quality, or perceived lack thereof, is always a contender. Kathleen Kennedy, former president of Lucasfilm and producer on the Indiana Jones films, has a reputation for fiercely protecting both the Star Wars and Indiana Jones IPs, so she may have simply felt the projects weren’t up to par.
The reception to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny likely factored in, too. The film’s worldwide gross fell short of $400 million (€370 million), suggesting a possible cooling of public interest in the character. The film may have been geared toward older fans, but ultimately failed to deliver. Did it signal that the world had moved on from Indy?
It’s also unclear how far along either project progressed. This is the first we’re hearing of them, suggesting they were still in their infancy. Maybe a concept, an outline, a few sketches. There’s a vast difference between a few weeks of brainstorming and a full-blown production with scripts and a team, like George Lucas’ Star Wars Underground series. But with properties like Indiana Jones and Star Wars, even the smallest idea holds intrigue.
Could an Animated Indiana Jones Series Still Happen?
Never say never. It really depends on the appetite of the audience and the vision of the creatives involved. Animated series, particularly those aimed at a slightly older audience, are experiencing a surge in popularity thanks to platforms like Netflix and Disney+. If a compelling story can be crafted, the medium itself shouldn’t be a barrier.
Consider Star Wars: The Clone Wars. It expanded the narrative in ways the films couldn’t, offering deeper character development and exploring corners of the galaxy far, far away. An animated Indiana Jones could accomplish something similar, filling in the blanks of Indy’s life and introducing new threats and allies. Could the right pitch revive the idea?
What Does Kathleen Kennedy Say About the Future of Indiana Jones?
Think of Kennedy as the gatekeeper. Speaking to Deadline recently, Kennedy expressed no regrets about Indiana Jones and Dial of Destiny, while remaining pessimistic about the future. “I don’t think Indy will ever be done,” she stated, “But I don’t think anybody is interested right now in exploring it. But these are timeless movies, and Indy will never be done.”
“We are all still here,” she added. “Steven and Frank and I, and Harrison and George. So we get to say whether there’s going to be any more, or not.” The decision ultimately rests with Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, Harrison Ford, and George Lucas. Is there still a story they want to tell?
Will Harrison Ford Ever Return to Indiana Jones?
Probably not in the way you’d expect. Ford himself has suggested Dial of Destiny was his final outing as the character, passing the torch, so to speak. However, that doesn’t preclude the possibility of cameos, voice work in animated projects, or even his likeness being used in future games or expanded media. The character is bigger than any single actor.
While another actor might take on the fedora and whip, Ford’s portrayal remains iconic. Whether or not he chooses to be involved in future Indiana Jones projects, his legacy is secure. The question then becomes: can anyone else truly fill his shoes, or is the character destined to remain frozen in time?
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