Disney has reportedly set its sights on expanding the Indiana Jones franchise, but this time without the legendary Harrison Ford. This marks a new chapter for the iconic series, which has spanned over four decades and five blockbuster films.
The franchise first launched in 1981 with Raiders of the Lost Ark, directed by Steven Spielberg and conceived by George Lucas. The film’s mix of high-stakes adventure, historical intrigue, and Harrison Ford’s charismatic performance as Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones made it an instant classic. Over the years, four sequels followed: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2024).
Harrison Ford, synonymous with the character, has consistently brought depth and charm to the role of the fearless archaeologist. However, Ford himself confirmed that The Dial of Destiny was his final outing, stating that it was time for both him and the character to step aside. Despite this, Disney appears eager to continue exploring the world of Indiana Jones without its original star.
One avenue of expansion has been the gaming world. In December 2024, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was released to critical acclaim. Set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade, the game follows Indiana Jones in 1937 as he uncovers a secret tied to the Great Circle—a series of mysterious sites around the globe that form a perfect circle when connected on a map. The adventure spans real-world locations such as Vatican City, Thailand, Egypt, and Shanghai.
While the character retains Harrison Ford’s likeness, The Great Circle features the voice talent of Troy Baker. The game has been praised for its compelling gameplay, stunning visuals, and bold narrative themes, including an incisive critique of far-right ideology. The success of the game has reportedly prompted Disney to request more installments from developers Bethesda Softworks and MachineGames.
This pivot to gaming might signal Disney’s intent to keep the franchise alive in fresh and innovative ways. Journalist Jez Corden hinted during the Xbox Two podcast that Disney had already initiated talks for additional Indiana Jones projects, citing the popularity of the game as a driving force.
There were also prior rumors of a spinoff TV series focusing on other characters within the Indiana Jones universe. However, industry insider Jeff Sneider claimed in 2023 that Disney scrapped the idea, redirecting Lucasfilm to focus exclusively on Star Wars content. This decision has left fans speculating about how Disney might proceed with the adventurer’s legacy.
As the franchise moves forward, the absence of Harrison Ford poses both challenges and opportunities. Whether through video games, new stories, or entirely reimagined characters, Disney seems determined to explore the untapped potential of the Indiana Jones universe, leaving audiences eager to see what’s next for this beloved franchise.
Have you played “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” yet?
