Lucasfilm isn’t hiding the fact that “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is the final film in the franchise for Harrison Ford, and thus, Indiana Jones. But in an industry obsessed with franchises, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Lucasfilm try its best to keep the ‘Indy’ film series going strong with a new lead. Perhaps the new character played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge in ‘Dial of Destiny?’
In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Harrison Ford discussed the idea of the future of the ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise without the title character. That is to say, can anyone else replace Ford and lead the ‘Indy’ franchise in the future? In ‘Dial of Destiny,’ Waller-Bridge plays Helena, the goddaughter of Indy. She is a capable action hero in her own right, though in the same flawed way as Indiana Jones. They’re not John Wick, but they can get the job done. But can Helena be the person to continue with the franchise in the future, as the star of the show?
“There’s no replacing Indiana Jones in any way,” said Waller-Bridge. “But I feel like the character herself—she did feel fresh on the page, and there is a sense of, is there room in the world for someone like this?”
READ MORE: Phoebe Waller-Bridge On Her ‘Indiana Jones’ Future: “First I’ve Ever Heard Of It!”
She added, “So I do think there’s room for a slightly clumsier, bruised, limping female action star, maybe, in the future.”
While Harrison Ford has gone on the record as saying that no one should replace him as Indiana Jones, he does see a future where another character from the franchise could step up and lead the way. And if that’s the case, Waller-Bridge is a suitable person for the job.
“She’s certainly capable of being a movie star,” said Ford. “It’s a question of whether or not she wants to endure that responsibility.”
He added, Whatever it is that we think she should do, she’ll have a better idea. She’s sitting on top of the pile right now.”
Obviously, it’s a bit premature to crown Helena as the heir-apparent to the ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise moving forward. It’s still unclear how the general public will embrace a new ‘Indy’ film after so many years. If the film is a massive success, there’s no doubt Lucasfilm will want to keep it going. However, if it crashes and burns, then maybe it’s best to put the world of ‘Indiana Jones’ to rest, finally.
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” arrives in theaters on June 30.
