An introduction from the Editor In Chief: Recently, our staff have discussed the strange circumstances with this franchise and tried to make sense of why Disney hasn’t announced any scripted (or unscripted) Indiana Jones-related Disney+ Original. This would get his name on the service prior to the arrival of Indiana Jones 5 next summer.
Ideas we’ve floated include a documentary on the film series origins, a prequel series (a la Young Indiana Jones, also stuck in Paramount’s assets), an animated series, or a spin-off. WarnerMedia has been in a similar bind with the Harry Potter franchise needing fresh content, so they hosted the reunion special that aired on January 1st as well as the game show, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses. Now, take it away Greg.
History Of Indiana Jones Franchise
Viewers were first introduced to Indy with Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). The film produced by Lucasfilm and Paramount Picture, Indiana Jones continued its success with Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). We’ve seen a few theme park attractions (Indiana Jones Adventure, Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril, and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!) and tv series following Indy’s younger years (The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (1992–1993; also owned by Paramount)) as he explored the world. We’ve seen huge toy sales and video game appearances with our beloved main protagonist.
What’s your favorite Indiana Jones project?
What’s the Jones issue? As previously talked about above, Paramount currently owns the rights to the original 4 films, alongside the USA distribution rights to James Cameron’s highly acclaimed 1997 Titanic film featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson and Kate Winslet as Rose Dewitt Bukater. What a drag! People who look to Disney+ for having the complete Lucasfilm catalog could become disappointed quickly when they realize that they’d need to subscribe to two different competitors to fulfill their complete palate. What will it take to bring them home?
What’s next for the franchise? As of recent, the Indiana Jones Stunt show has made a return to the Disney parks and Disney acquired the rights to continue the Indiana Jones franchise with his next journey in releasing in 2023.
Gregory Bertrand is a film and television enthusiast. His degree in Early Childhood Education is from Saint Cloud State University and he’s currently teaching in a school. When he isn’t shaping young minds, he spends his time researching, analyzing, and documenting Walt Disney contractual obligations while streaming a slew of old and original content.
