All over the world, fans of Indiana Jones are preparing to grab their fedoras and whips because the most legendary archaeologist (admittedly a narrow field) is back! With the release of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” just around the corner – June 30th in most parts of the world – fans of the beloved professor-turned-adventurer eagerly anticipate another thrilling journey. However, as is so often the case with any highly anticipated film involving a beloved property, concerns are circulating among the character’s devoted fan base.
We’ve been here before, of course. “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” was far from a resounding success, but it didn’t damage the character’s enduring appeal. That much is clear from the plethora of Indiana Jones ripoff characters that can be found at online casinos, from “Indiana Jane” to “John Hunter,” who stars in several popular online slots made by Pragmatic Play. You’ll find those games – and many more like them – at casino siter sites in the UK and far beyond, confirming that Indiana Jones is still a money-maker even in copycat form. Will those casinos and slots still be making money after “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny?” Let’s see if we can answer that question.
We’re about to examine the worries fans have expressed about the upcoming Indiana Jones movie, exploring topics ranging from the plot’s potential “wokeness” to the apparent inclusion of time travel as a questionable plot device.
Is It “Too Woke?”
One of the primary concerns voiced by fans revolves around the film’s plot and the possibility of it being labeled as “too woke.” Some fans fear that the narrative might prioritize political correctness over delivering a classic Indiana Jones adventure. Indiana Jones is, after all, the most masculine of masculine characters (with the possible exception of James Bond).
However, it’s important to approach these concerns with an open mind and give the filmmakers a fair chance to balance social themes with the iconic adventurous spirit that defines the franchise. You can have “a message” while still being entertaining, and lots of people who complain about things being “woke” don’t really understand what the term means – it’s just become a buzzword to complain about things that don’t suit their personal tastes.
Will Harrison Ford be Sidelined?
Another big worry among fans is that Harrison Ford, the legendary actor who’s portrayed Indiana Jones since the franchise’s very first installment way back in the 1980s, might be secondary in the plot to Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the talented British actress joining the cast. While it’s understandable to have reservations about introducing a new character, it’s crucial to remember that the Indiana Jones movies have always embraced dynamic supporting characters who enhance the overall storytelling.
The concerns fans have about Phoebe Waller-Bridge – best known as the writer and star of the critically acclaimed “Fleabag” – are tied to the concerns about “wokeness.” Female characters in past Indiana Jones movies have largely been love interests or damsels in distress. Waller-Bridge will play Jones’ goddaughter and is likely to be comparatively stronger. Some fans are worried that “Indy” will die during the movie’s run-time and hand the baton to Waller-Bridge’s character, thus replacing a male hero with a female one. It’s worth noting that a similar “passing of the baton” was attempted at the end of “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” albeit on that occasion, it was passed to Jones’ son Mutt, as played by Shia LaBeouf. Understandably, LaBeouf hasn’t been invited back to reprise the role.
Time-Travel Silliness?
The rumour mill suggests that “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” will incorporate a time-travel element into its storyline. We know that Ford has been digitally de-aged in some scenes in the movie, so these rumours may well prove to be true. Some fans are concerned that this choice may undermine the grounded and historical nature of the franchise, potentially veering into the realms of implausibility. However, it’s worth noting that the Indiana Jones films have previously touched upon supernatural elements, allowing for a sense of wonder and intrigue. With the right execution, time travel could add an exciting new dimension to the adventures of Dr Jones.
It’s not like the inclusion of aliens in “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” wasn’t implausible, although “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” might not be the best example to turn to, given the movie’s poor reception. A better example might be the opening of the ark in “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” which literally melted the Nazi characters. If that wasn’t both implausible and woke, we don’t know what is.
Trusting the Creative Team
As fans, it’s natural to have reservations and uncertainties about any new installment in a beloved franchise – especially one that we’ve developed emotional attachments to. However, it’s important to remember that the creative team behind “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” includes the esteemed director James Mangold, known for his work on “Logan” and “Ford v Ferrari.” Mangold’s track record speaks for itself, instilling confidence that the film will be treated with respect and careful craftsmanship. He doesn’t have a track record of pandering to political correctness, and there’s no reason to believe that he’s done so this time.
One of the challenges facing any long-running franchise is finding the right balance between nostalgia and innovation. Fans cherish the iconic moments, witty one-liners, and thrilling set pieces that have long defined the Indiana Jones series. At the same time, a film that solely relies on nostalgia risks feeling stale and derivative. The filmmakers have the unenviable and delicate task of honoring the franchise’s legacy while injecting fresh energy into the story and showing us something new. Until we’re given reason to behave otherwise, let’s remain hopeful that “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” will find the perfect equilibrium.
The movie will not measure up to our childhood memories of watching Indiana Jones. We’re older now, and we don’t see films through the same uncritical prism that we did as children. Harrison Ford is older, too, and it’s unreasonable to expect a man in his 80s to pull off action-hero scenes in the same way he did when he was in his 30s and 40s. If we’re willing to make those allowances, we might find “Dial of Destiny” to be better than many people fear it might be. Try to go into it with an open mind. We know we will.
