Steven Spielberg Not Directing 'Indiana Jones' For The First Time In Franchise’s History

For the first time in the franchise’s history, filmmaker Steven Spielberg has decided to not direct the upcoming “Indiana Jones” movie and pass on the director’s hat to the new-generation of directors, so that they can bring a different persepective to the story.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the esteemed filmmaker will not be returning to sit on the director’s chair for the fifth installment in the highly-successful franchise but will work as a producer. The Academy Award-winning filmmaker is busy these days working on the “West Side Story” remake for Warner Bros. Harrison Ford is still attached to the project.

Sources reveal that James Mangold is in negotiations to direct the upcoming “Indiana Jones” movie. Mangold is known for directing blockbuster films like “Walk The Line” (2005), “Logan” (2017), and last year’s “Ford v Ferarri.”

Variety reported that the decision of exiting the movie as director was made by Spielberg himself. The “Bridge Of Spies” helmer wanted a new perspective for that character’s story and wanted someone from the new generation to helm the upcoming project.

Mangold’s earlier movies have been nominated for various awards, including the Oscars. “Walk The Line” was nominated for five trophies and won in the Best Supporting Actress category (Reese Witherspoon). Meanwhile, “Ford v Ferarri” won two Academy Awards and was also nominated for Best Picture.

“Indiana Jones” chronicles the journey of Dr. Henry Walton who sets out in search of biblical artifacts and treasures while fighting a plethora of villains who want to misuse them. The first movie in the series, “Raiders Of The Lost Ark,” was released in 1981 and went on to become the highest-grossing film of that year.

The movie won five Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing. Other films in the franchise – “Temple Of Doom” (1984), “Last Crusade” (1989) and “Kingdon Of Crystal Skull” (2008) – raked in a lot of money at the box office as well. The movies have gone on to earn more than $1.9 billion worldwide.

The series has garnered 13 Academy Award nods and emerged victorious in 7 categories.

“Indiana Jones 5” is scheduled to hit theaters on July 9, 2021.