In a shocking turn of events,
Variety is reporting that after helming the previous four films, the legendary Steven Spielberg has decided to step down as director the long-gestating
Indiana Jones 5, and it sounds like he's on the verge of handing over the reins of the Harrison Ford-led franchise to comic book movie favorite James Mangold (
Logan; The Wolverine; Knight and Day;
3:10 to Yuma;
Ford v Ferrari).
Negotiations with Mangold are still in their earliest stages, but if/when a deal is made, it'll be the second franchise he's been hired to bring new life into after previously taking the helm of Hugh Jackman's
The Wolverine, and returning for the Academy Award-nominated
Logan.
Spielberg, who will remain on board as a hands-on producer, actually made the decision to exit the director's chair himself, wanting to pass along the franchise he built to a new generation of filmmakers with the hopes that they could bring their own unique perspective to the project.
While details are still being kept under lock-and-key, Harrison Ford will reprise his role as the titular adventurer and production is rumored to commence within the next two months or so, However, it now remains to be seen whether filming will be delayed to allow Mangold to make any changes to and/or rewrite the script.
Indiana Jones 5 whips its way into theaters July 9, 2021.
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