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He’s faced sword-wielding Arabs, power-hungry Nazis and crazed Indian cults in his quest for some of the world’s most elusive treasures, but grizzled archaeologist Indiana Jones isn’t quite ready to hang up his battered Fedora and trusty whip – despite that he the ripe old age of 80 years.
Harrison Ford is about to return as the badass Indy for one last adventure in the long-running movie franchise and it has yet to be titled the fifth installment, directed by James Mangold and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge – best known for her role as the angry, confused and often chaotic protagonist in BBC comedy Fleabag.
But she’ll need her wits about her as she follows the famed archaeologist on his latest adventure, featuring the first footage from the upcoming film – released exclusively by Empire – transporting both to an ancient temple in their quest for a yet-to-be-determined bounty.
Welcome Back: He’s faced sword-wielding Arabs, power-hungry Nazis and crazed Indian cults in his quest for some of the world’s most elusive treasures, but grizzled archaeologist Indiana Jones isn’t quite ready to hang up his battered Fedora
The pair co-star with Tobey Jones, Mads Mikkelsen and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers in a film with a prologue set in 1944 but ending in 1969 – the height of social change in the United States and much of the Western world.
These newly released images show different characters and tease the 1969 setting of the movie, which will be released next summer.
When Harrison returned to the role for the final time, he told Empire, “I thought it would be nice to see one where Indiana Jones was at the end of his journey.” A script came along that I felt gave me a way to expand the character…
Movie magic: Harrison Ford, 80, is about to return as reckless Indy for one last adventure in the long-running movie franchise and it has yet to be named its fifth installment alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge, 37, as his goddaughter Helena
It’s full of adventure, full of laughter, full of real emotion. And it is complex and sneaky. Shooting it was hard and long and hard. But I’m very happy with the film we have.’
Meanwhile, director James Mangold faced the challenge of making Indiana look appropriate to the film’s age as the film spans 25 years, using special visual effects to ensure viewers get a real experience.
James explained, “It became very important to me to figure out how to make this a movie about a hero at sunset.
Acting out: Mads Mikkelsen, 59, will appear in the action movie, with his character yet to be named
“The issues I raised about Indy’s age weren’t things I thought were addressed in the material being developed at the time. There were “old” jokes, but the material was not about them.
“As far as I’m concerned, whatever your greatest liability is, you should fly straight for it. If you try to pretend it’s not there, you’ll get slings and arrows all the way.”
As part of the process, Harrison re-tailored his old Raiders Of The Lost Ark costume in an effort to help the wardrobe department.
Born to perform: Boyd Holbrook will also star in the film that spans 25 years and is the final installment in the franchise
The outfit from the 1981 film fit perfectly, with producer Frank Marshall laughing, “I think his proudest moment was when he fit into those pants.”
Elsewhere, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, 37, who plays Indy’s goddaughter Helena, was invited to star in the film over dinner with producer Kathleen Kennedy.
The actress said she was left in a “haze” after reading the script and immediately accepted the role in the film.
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She joked, “I immediately ordered ten bottles of wine. Then it was the fastest I’ve ever read a script; I came out of a sort of haze after that. I just couldn’t believe how much fun I was having and how moved I was by it. And then I had a Zoom and screamed, “YES!” at the mall.’
It comes after Hollywood sources say Phoebe could take the lead role from Harrison after filmmakers shot down a series of possible endings.
In one version, Indiana dies after passing his famous bullwhip and weathered fedora to Helena.
The film began shooting in the UK in June last year, but the set was temporarily halted after Harrison injured his right arm while rehearsing a fight scene.
He played the iconic archaeologist in four films, starting with Raiders Of The Lost Ark in 1981, followed by Temple Of Doom, The Last Crusade and most recently Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull in 2008. The films have grossed nearly $1 billion at the box office ( £850 million).
In September, producer Frank Marshall confirmed that Phoebe’s role was “significant,” posting a photo on social media of the actress standing next to Harrison, writing, “Indy and his goddaughter, Helena.”
At a Disney event to promote the movie, Harrison pointed to his co-star Phoebe and said, “I’m very proud to say this movie is fantastic and this is one of the reasons.” Indiana Jones movies are about mystery and adventure, but they’re also about the heart.
“And I’m very, very happy that we have a very human story to tell, as well as a movie that will kick your butt.”
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Harrison played the iconic archaeologist in four movies, starting with 1981’s Raiders Of The Lost Ark, followed by Temple Of Doom, The Last Crusade, and most recently 2008’s Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (pictured)