After Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, it seemed Harrison Ford’s time as one of the most famous and iconic film characters to ever exist had come to an end. The film was meant as a transition to another hero to take on the main role in the form of Shia Lebouf’s character, who was Indy’s son. In the years since, Lebouf’s off-screen troubles and disturbing allegations of abusive behavior, along with his negative comments about working on Crystal Skull, mean that it’s extremely unlikely he will ever return to the franchise.

As stated, it seemed that way for Harrison Ford too, until a new Indy film was announced. Given his age and his reluctance to return for this fifth movie in the first place, as well as the salary he reportedly requests not just for Indiana Jones but also his role as Han Solo in Star Wars, means that it’s extremely likely this will indeed be Ford’s final outing in the franchise. However, the franchise could still go on, particularly on a streaming platform like Disney+, a place that is the home to many side adventures and supporting characters getting a starring role in their own show in other prominent EPs also owned by the studio.

RELATED: Indiana Jones 5 Has Officially Completed Filming, New Official Set Photo Unveiled By Producer

Whether or not Indy dies in this fifth installment remains a mystery, but as stated, it’s unlikely that Ford will return after this. Given Disney’s desire to continue other franchises and have them spin-off to create various different related movies and shows, as is the case with Star Wars and Marvel, it seems likely they’ll want to do the same for Indiana Jones. However, the problem is that Ford looks set to hang up the whip after this next movie, meaning they’ll have to get creative and look elsewhere. The crux of the franchise seems that it will always remain the same, a fast-paced adventure story that involves some sort of treasure hunting and mystery aspect. However, with no Ford at the center, who could replace him?

Indiana Jones 5 Harrison Ford

One possibility is that Disney invoked The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, the show from the 1990s that followed a younger version of Ford’s character in his youth, as he had adventures. They could do a follow-up to that, set in between that show and Temple of Doom (the earliest Indy movie in the timeline) to further fill in the gaps. It would allow them to cast a young, popular actor at the center. However, Disney might be wary of this given the poor box office performance and relative lack of interest in Solo: A Star Wars Story, which recast Harrison Ford with a younger star, the studio might be reluctant to do this.

Another possibility could be that the general story and premise stated above remains the same, but with deepfake technology used to recreate Ford. Disney seems to love this technology recently, using it for The Book of Boba Fett and Luke Skywalker’s latest appearance. Mark Hamill wasn’t on set for this appearance in Chapter 6 of that show, nor did he record any lines, meaning that Ford would simply need to give permission for Disney to use his likeness in order for them to move forward. If the studio feels the tech is ready to have a lead character be made using this groundbreaking method, it might just be the way this franchise could continue after next year’s film.

Perhaps the simplest and most straightforward way to continue the franchise, and arguably the most likely, is to have a character from the next film be given their own Disney+ series or even a movie of their own. This could follow the same sort of plot of all the Indy movies, along with a similar tone, but with a new character at the helm. If done right, it would capture the essence of Indiana Jones while crafting a unique and never before seen story within the franchise, proving that this series can last and thrive without Ford. Indy might always be the face of the franchise and the most memorable and beloved aspect of the series, and understandably so, especially as all the movies are named after him. Still, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t new characters that can take the spotlight from Indy at times, as it just might be the franchise’s future.

Indiana Jones 5 Phoebe Waller Bridge Harrison Ford

Unconfirmed rumors for the upcoming installment suggest a character that could indeed be the one to take the reins from Indiana Jones. Phoebe Waller Bridge, who also serves as a co-writer on this film (and interestingly enough also appeared in Solo, another movie and franchise forever linked with Harrison Ford), is speculated to be the one to be center stage in the future. If so, it seems like a great choice, as Bridge is a charismatic and interesting performer with a surprising amount of range, both in comedy and drama. This would also provide diversity in the center role, something that is always nice to see and needed in the world right now.

Indiana Jones 5 recently wrapped filming, but the end of the franchise may not be here just yet.

MORE: Belongs In A Museum: Indiana Jones Should Stay In The Past