Given the plot of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, it's no surprise fans have been speculating and chasing leaks about the film. However, director James Mangold has repudiated the claim that Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is going to be replaced or erased from the timeline through some contrivance.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was revealed as the title of Ford's next adventure as Indy. Ford has been playing the character for over 40 years now, and he was last seen in the role in 2008's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. That installment was controversial among fans, and many wanted a more fitting end for the character. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is serving as that final outing, as it will be Ford's last time as the character, which has left many wondering how the film will wrap up his story.
One Indiana Jones 5 theory claims Indy will be replaced through time travel, but Mangold stated there is no truth to such assertions. "One more time. No one is 'taking over' or replacing Indy or donning his hat nor is he being 'erased' thru some contrivance— and he never was, not [sic] in any cut or script — but trolls will troll — that's how they get their clicks," Mangold wrote in response to a since-deleted tweet. "And please don't exhaust me pointing out how once in a while a troll is 'right.' Even a blind squirrel finds a nut now & then. All one has to do is look at set photos & interviews & u get enough info to make wild guesses about a movie plot. [...] The diff between trolling a-holes & everyone else is they r trying to make $ off your feelings about other films & culture war politics. They push controversial guesses as coming from 'sources' to gin up clicks. Let it go. END."
Mangold appeared to be particularly incensed about the rumor that Indiana Jones would be replaced or erased by the end of the movie. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will introduce Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Helena, Indy's goddaughter, which has led to speculation that the character would take over his legacy. Of course, that has led to some sexist comments, presumably what Mangold is referring to by his "culture war politics" comment.
As new details about Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny's plot emerge, it becomes increasingly clear that the film pays homage to Indiana Jones' entire career. There are callbacks in the trailer, including a sequence wherein a de-aged Ford portrays the character in his younger days. With that in mind, it's highly unlikely that the movie will erase Indy from existence - it has too much reverence for the nostalgic appeal of Indiana Jones.
Ford's return as Indiana Jones is sure to be fun, jampacked with action and callbacks to his earlier adventures. The ending may not be known yet, but it won't end with Indy's character being gone forever.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is scheduled to be released in theaters on June 30, 2023.
Source: James Mangold/Twitter