Indiana Jones spin-off for Disney+: The future of the franchise unveiled by director James Mangold

Director James Mangold, the creative brain behind Indiana Jones 5, recently shed light on the much-discussed Disney+ Indiana Jones series. Last November, industry insiders got abuzz when The Wrap revealed that a TV adaptation of the beloved franchise was under production for Disney+.

The series was rumored to be a backstory focusing on a younger version of Abner Ravenwood, the father of Marion Ravenwood, a character who has intrigued audiences throughout the Indiana Jones saga.

In addition to this, The Wrap reported that the Disney+ spin-off might see a reunion of critical, creative talents who worked on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

However, entertainment expert Jeff Sneider reported via ComicBook.com in March 2023 that the spin-off project had been "shelved." Allegedly, Disney had directed Lucasfilm to prioritize Star Wars.

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James Mangold discusses speculative Disney+ spin-off: Unrelated to Indiana Jones but centered on Abner Ravenwood

Delving into the expanded universe: Director James Mangold explores speculative spin-off, focusing on Abner Ravenwood (Image via Lucasfilm)

During an engaging discussion on the popular Happy Sad Confused podcast, hosted by the esteemed Josh Horowitz, the visionary director James Mangold of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny fame shared some intriguing insights into the Disney+ spin-off that has been garnering substantial attention.

Confirming some of the buzz, Mangold disclosed that the Abner Ravenwood spin-off had been a part of the strategic discussions at one point. However, he clarified that the series' transition from concept to reality was far from certain.

"I looked at what they were developing for that show, but I think it was it was purely speculative in terms of whether that show was going to happen." he stated.

His words suggested a veil of unpredictability shrouding the future of the much-anticipated project. The audience and fans remain in suspense, awaiting the final decision on the potential extension of the beloved Indiana Jones universe.

He concluded his remarks by claiming that it was unrelated to Indiana Jones, which might suggest the exclusion of the iconic character:

"But it had nothing to do with Indiana Jones. It was the world."

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Will the Indiana Jones series march forward post-Dial of Destiny?

Speculations surrounding the fate of the Indiana Jones series after Dial of Destiny (Image via Lucasfilm)

Mangold's recent update on the speculated Disney+ Indiana Jones spin-off can be seen as disheartening given the franchise's expansive potential.

However, contrary to the director's comments, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, while conversing with Entertainment Weekly in early June 2023, hinted at the possibility of the franchise's evolution into a series:

"It's Harrison's last entry. That's how we look at the Indy franchise. I mean, truthfully, right now, if we were to do anything, it might be in series television down the road, but we're not doing anything to replace Indiana Jones. This is it," he said.

Whether Kennedy's remarks relate to the speculative Abner Ravenwood Disney+ series is still unclear. Meanwhile, Harrison Ford, the star of Indiana Jones, disclosed to Total Film in April that he wouldn't be part of the speculated Disney+ series "if it does come to fruition."

While a series focusing on Abner Ravenwood sounds exciting, several other characters, including Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Helena Shaw and Ke Huy Quan's Short Round, could potentially carry forward the legacy.

Even though Indiana Jones 5 marks the final journey for our beloved adventurer, there is an abundance of untold stories within the franchise.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is currently playing in theaters globally.