Legendary ‘Indiana Jones’ Star’s Sorrowful Death Leads to Franchise Termination

Is Disney getting rid of Indiana Jones?

The Indiana Jones franchise is one of the most iconic and enduring in film history, known for its blend of action, adventure, and archaeology, all driven by the charismatic performance of Harrison Ford as the titular hero.

Spanning four decades, the franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its thrilling escapades, memorable characters, and groundbreaking filmmaking. Here’s a detailed look at the history of the Indiana Jones film franchise, from its inception to its current status under Disney ownership.

The character of Indiana Jones was created by George Lucas, the mastermind behind Star Wars. Inspired by the adventure serials of the 1930s and 1940s, Lucas wanted to create a modern-day equivalent that would capture the excitement of those early films.

He shared his idea with Steven Spielberg, who was eager to direct a James Bond film at the time. Lucas convinced Spielberg that his character, Indiana Jones, could be a new type of action hero—an archaeologist with a knack for finding trouble and treasure.

With Spielberg on board, Lucas wrote a story centered on a daring archaeologist named Indiana Jones, who would embark on perilous adventures to recover ancient artifacts. The first film in the series was Raiders of the Lost Ark, which set the tone for the franchise’s blend of high-octane action, humor, and historical intrigue.

Raiders of the Lost Ark was released on June 12, 1981, and became an instant classic. The film follows Dr. Indiana Jones as he races against the Nazis to recover the biblical Ark of the Covenant, believed to have immense power. Harrison Ford, already famous for his role as Han Solo in Star Wars, brought Indiana Jones to life with a perfect mix of charm, wit, and ruggedness.

The film was a massive box office success, grossing over $367 million worldwide. It was also critically acclaimed, receiving eight Academy Award nominations and winning four, including Best Art Direction and Best Visual Effects. Raiders of the Lost Ark is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made, and Indiana Jones has been established as a cultural icon.

Following the success of the first film, Lucas and Spielberg reunited for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which was released on May 23, 1984. This prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark sees Indiana Jones traveling to India, where he encounters a dangerous cult that practices human sacrifice. The film is darker in tone than its predecessor and was instrumental in the creation of the PG-13 rating due to its intense scenes.

Despite its darker narrative, the film was a financial hit, earning over $333 million worldwide. It starred Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, alongside Kate Capshaw as Willie Scott and Ke Huy Quan as Short Round. While Temple of Doom received mixed reviews compared to the first film, it remains a beloved entry in the franchise and is known for its thrilling set pieces, including the iconic mine cart chase.

Released on May 24, 1989, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was intended to be the final film in the series. The film sees Indiana Jones teaming up with his estranged father, Dr. Henry Jones Sr., played by Sean Connery, to search for the Holy Grail. The dynamic between Ford and Connery was praised, adding emotional depth to the adventure.

The Last Crusade was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $474 million worldwide. The film won an Academy Award for Best Sound Effects Editing and was nominated for two others. Its mix of humor, action, and father-son bonding made it a fan favorite and solidified Indiana Jones’ status as one of cinema’s greatest heroes.

Nearly two decades after The Last Crusade, Indiana Jones returned to the big screen in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, released on May 22, 2008. This time, the film was set in the 1950s and involved a plot centered on extraterrestrial artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls. Harrison Ford reprised his role as Indiana Jones, joined by Shia LaBeouf as his son, Mutt Williams, and Karen Allen returning as Marion Ravenwood.

The film was a box office juggernaut, grossing over $786 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in the series. However, it received mixed reviews from critics and fans, with some praising its nostalgic elements and others criticizing its reliance on CGI and the shift towards science fiction.

The latest installment, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, released in 2023, served as the franchise’s conclusion.

The film explored themes of aging and legacy, while also delivering the signature action and adventure that defined the series. While its box office performance was lower than previous entries at $383 million, it still garnered a dedicated fanbase.   

The ownership of the Indiana Jones franchise changed hands when Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012 for $4.05 billion. This acquisition included the rights to the Star Wars franchise and Lucasfilm’s other properties, including Indiana Jones. While Paramount Pictures, which distributed the original four films, retained some distribution rights, Disney now controls the future of the franchise.

Since acquiring Lucasfilm, Disney has announced plans for future Indiana Jones projects, including the newly confirmed attraction at Walt Disney World, in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which will add to the list of Indiana Jones rides that are already cemented in multiple Disney parks around the globe, as well as a stage stunt show. 

Most recently, there was confirmation that an essential piece of Indiana Jones’s history was sold, according to Deadline.

If there is one thing that Indie never forgets, it is his hat. The hat has become the most symbolic prop and costume piece in the franchise, making screen-used versions of it a collector’s dream.

Now, it has been confirmed that the Temple Of Doom hat was sold at an auction for $630,000.

Related: Award Winning ‘Indiana Jones’ Legend Tragically Passes Away

The item, once owned by Ford’s stunt double Dean Ferrandini, who passed away in 2023, was part of a larger memorabilia sale.

The fedora, crafted by the Herbert Johnson Hat Company in London, featured prominently in the film’s opening sequence. It was worn by Ford as he, alongside Kate Capshaw and Ke Huy Quan, escaped a perilous plane crash using an inflatable raft. The hat was also utilized during additional filming at George Lucas’s visual effects studio.

The auction also featured other coveted film memorabilia, including props from Star Wars, Harry Potter, and James Bond franchises. The fedora’s sale price reflects the enduring popularity of the Indiana Jones series and the iconic status of the fedora within pop culture.

With Ford retiring from the role and one of the iconic and mighty hats being sold, it truly marks the end of an era for Hollywood. 

What Disney franchise prop would you want to own, and how much would you pay for it if you were given the chance?