What can Indiana Jones still discover after more than four decades? The Ark of the Covenant, the Shankara Stones and the Holy Grail – on his last adventure he even had a close encounter of the third kind when a UFO rises from an ancient temple and has disappeared into a world between worlds. It doesn’t get any bigger or more fantastic. Still, Indiana Jones and the Wheel of Destiny, which opens in theaters this week, takes the archaeologist to a point he never dared dream of.
Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller Bridge talk about the latest Indiana Jones film
The question of (past) time is the engine of the new Indiana Jones film, with which Harrison Ford says goodbye to the series as the main actor. We see two versions of his adventurer: while a digitally rejuvenated Indiana Jones gazes at us in 1944, the older version of the character is confronted 25 years later with the youthful energy of his goddaughter, Helena. She is played by all-round talent Phoebe Waller-Bridges (Fleabag, Solo: A Star Wars Story).
You can watch the trailer for Indiana Jones 5 here:
Indiana Jones and the Wheel of Destiny – Trailer (German) HD
On the occasion of the theatrical release of Indiana Jones and the Wheel of Destiny, I met them both for an interview to talk about Indy’s farewell performance. The film has been in the making for seven years, initially directed by Steven Spielberg. In the end, however, James Mangold took over the staging, after saying goodbye to an iconic heroic figure with Logan – The Wolverine.
Moviepilot: When it became clear that you were making a new Indiana Jones movie, what was the one thing you wanted to achieve with this sequel?
Harrison Ford: We did everything to make the film good. And I think we’re both very lucky to have been there.
Phoebe Waller Bridge: Yes, that’s pretty much it.
The film was first officially announced by Lucasfilm in 2016. Since then there have been many changes behind the scenes. What did you get out of it as an actor?
Harrison Ford: I’m not sure what changes you mean. Is it about the script?
Exactly, the script was rewritten several times. But I think the biggest thing is the change in direction from Steven Spielberg to James Mangold.
Harrison Ford: steven [Spielberg] was on board for a long time and is [als ausführender Produzent] still. Nobody does anything without our friend Steven. Jim Mangold will tell you that too. Steven was there from the start. He accompanied the development of the script and gave his input during the casting. Even though he didn’t direct it, he remains very involved in the film. It just took us a long time to find the story that united all of our interests. The script is imaginative and ambitious. Once that was done, we could start shooting.
Phoebe Waller Bridge: What I liked most about the script was that it tells a story about aging. That was the first thing that happened to me [Lucasfilm-Präsidentin] Kathy [Kennedy] told me when she let me in on Harrison and Jim’s plans. The film does not shy away from this topic. I think it’s very courageous that a franchise dares to do something like that. In far too many franchises, youth are fetishized. Indiana Jones, on the other hand, felt downright revolutionary. Nevertheless, the film preserves the spirit of the character, deals with her development and sends her on a crazy adventure. I really wanted to be a part of something this cool.
Disney
Indiana Jones and the Wheel of Destiny
Although the film reflects so much on aging and the passing of time, it shows us a digitally rejuvenated version of the main character. How did you feel when you first saw young Indy?
Harrison Ford: I recognized someone I used to be. And I was very relieved that it wasn’t one of those Photoshop things. This is my actual face, not my current one though, it was many, many years ago.
Phoebe Waller Bridge: I was there when Harrison did the scenes [als junger Indiana Jones] turned. It was the first time I was ever on set. So I could see exactly how they did it all. It was all the more fascinating then to see the familiar old-young-old face. I think you look amazing.
Harrison Ford: Thanks very much. [Lacht]
And what have you learned over time working on this film?
Harrison Ford: The film is about time and respect for the character’s age. Respect for what time we are granted in our lives. And respect for the change that comes with the passage of time. It was only by coming to terms with old age that we were able to make this film. Even the MacGuffin, the Antikythera that we chase after like every other of these films, is about time. The stories of the characters and the object were cleverly connected. This gives the film its narrative power.
After 42 years, Indiana Jones’ journey ends in the cinema. What will you miss the most?
Harrison Ford: I am not completely sure. I mean I love my job. I love telling stories. And I love doing all kinds of films. I think we’ve created a beautiful film for audiences to say goodbye to the series. I probably won’t miss him too much, but I really enjoyed playing this character and hearing the audience’s reactions. I am very grateful for this opportunity.
Phoebe Waller Bridge: I will miss Harrison.
Harrison Ford: and i will miss you
Phoebe Waller Bridge: I’m afraid I’ll never get a chance like this again. This is the last Indiana Jones film and there is no other franchise like it. Harrison is unique in this world. The film really taught me how valuable the time we have is. And how important it is to be in the here and now of this world.
Indiana Jones and the Wheel of Destiny has been in cinemas since June 29, 2023.