Steven Spielberg is reportedly stepping back from directing the next Indiana Jones movie, handing the reins over to James Mangold (Logan, Le Mans ’66).
According to Variety, the deal is yet to close but Mangold is currently in talks to direct, with Spielberg remaining on-board as a ‘hands-on producer’.
This will mark the first time Spielberg has not directed an Indiana Jones film, with sources saying that the decision was entirely his, as he wishes to pass Indy’s whip on to another filmmaker to bring their fresh perspective to the franchise.
Paramount Pictures
Mangold of course has had success breathing new life into a long running series before with the brilliant Logan, which was very well received by both critics and audiences.
Harrison Ford is still attached to star, and the scheduled release date of 9th July 2021 currently remains in place.
However, the movie has been in development for some time now, it was first announced in 2016, with Ford recently confirming to HeyUGuys that it is facing ‘scheduling issues and a few script things’ as the team are determined to get it right.
The possibility that the release date will be pushed back then is highly likely.
Paramount Pictures
While fans are divided over Spielberg’s decision, we are hopeful that Mangold will deliver if he gets the job.
He will however have quite the journey ahead of him, and big shoes to fill.
