Indiana Jones 5 producer explains why James Mangold is the perfect replacement for Steven Spielberg

(Image credit: Fox)

For the first time in the franchise’s history, an Indiana Jones movie will be directed by someone other than Steven Spielberg. Logan direct🐠or James ღMangold is stepping in for the fifth instalment – and producer Frank Marshall has opened up about why Indy’s still in safe hands while also giving an update on the script for Indiana Jones 5.

With news that Spielberg wouldn’t return as direct🍌o𒁃r, understa🐼ndably came some consternation. Marshall, though, told why Mangold is a good a choice as any to be behind the ♈camera.

“His love of the franchise. He’s a wonderful filmmaker. I think he also has a relationship with Harrison. It was all of the r𝕴ight pieces coming together, at the right time.” Marshall added: “Steven is staying on as a producer, so we’ve got the best of everything.”

So, when can we see the belated f🐎ifth Indiana Jones adventure? Not even Indy himself could whip this one into shape soonish, with Marshall revealing the process of writing a s🐼cript has “just started.”

Beyond that, filming won’t be able to take place for some time due to the ongoin✃g COVID-19 pandemic.

“The number one thing, obviously, is the safety of everybody – the cast, the crew, and all of us,” Marshall said. “So, we’re looking at the guidelines that are coming slowly, from the h𓆉ealth experts and the studios and the different parts of the business, and we’re just trying to incorporate everything, so we can move forward and be safe. It’s going to obviously slow things down, so we’re trying to adjust.”

Interestingly, Marshall also hinted at a change in the way movies are filmed – one of the first creative figures in the industry to do so. The producer said “you won’t see a lot of crowd scenes, for example,” though reaffirღmed that peꦇople are looking at workarounds.

While Indiana Jones 5 will one day be a release to treasure, ღit’s not coming anytime soon by the sounds of it – though we should all be excited at the prospect of James Mangold directing.

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some o💝f the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) f꧟ield with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.