Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

JakeLipson · 02-05-2004, 11:41 PM

According to ComingSoon.net, Variety reports that the reunion of Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Harrison Ford for Indiana Jones 4 is on hold again as a new script draft is commissioned. Paramount had hoped to get into production on a fourth film in 2004 for a 2005 release. Frank Darabont had been brought in to script a concept the trio liked, but apparently Lucas wasn't happy with the draft. They will now bring aboard another screenwriter to rewrite Darabont's script.

The trade added that Spielberg had no comment on his plans. Spielberg, Lucas and Ford have been trying for nearly a decade to mount one last Indiana Jones adventure, on the condition that all three had to love the concept and script before proceeding.

Finding an availability window for Spielberg, Ford and Lucas is daunting, and it is now looking like a 2005 production start at the earliest.

Ford, meanwhile, is considering other assignments, and Spielberg is likely to move on to The Rivals, written by Robin Swicord. The DreamWorks drama centers on the catfight between 19th century stage stars Sarah Bernhardt and Eleonora Duse for dominance of the legit stage. Production could begin in the fall or winter, depending on who Spielberg chooses to play the divas.

Spielberg is also said to be interested in a secret project said to be making the rounds.

viceroy · 02-06-2004, 01:48 AM

Oh well, good things take time.

Steve

georgep · 02-06-2004, 02:34 AM

Neither Harrison Ford nor Sean Connery have time to spare. This project is just about dead.

Monterey Jack · 02-06-2004, 04:23 AM

I didn't want to see a fourth Indy film in the first place.

Ford and Connery are both way too old for this shit (it was embarassing to see Connery have to resort to his decades-younger stuntman in League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen whenever he had to do anything more strenuous than walking briskly), and Last Crusade ended on the perfect, wistful note. Let this series enjoy retirement.

Vonner · 02-06-2004, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monterey Jack

Last Crusade ended on the perfect, wistful note. Let this series enjoy retirement.

I agree. Instead of trying to cash in on a cult favorite by making another un-needed sequel why don't studios come up with some original ideas? Those ideas could spawn new cult favorites.

Bishop · 02-10-2004, 12:05 AM

Remember that Spielberg said in 2000 that he was not involved with AI and a year later it came out. He's keeping it a secret but it is coming out next year.

C Roberts · 02-10-2004, 12:11 AM

I agree that Ford and Connery are too old. Connery doesn't even need to be in it except for having the name "Sean Connery" in the opening credits.
But the reason I least want to see it is because I know Lucas and Spielberg will use mostly digital effects as that is the trend. I'd rather not get a fourth movie than get one that's visually inconsistent with the first three.

wynterfire · 02-10-2004, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeLipson

Frank Darabont had been brought in to script a concept the trio liked, but apparently Lucas wasn't happy with the draft. They will now bring aboard another screenwriter to rewrite Darabont's script.

ten bucks says that Lucas read the script and saw too much character development and not enough room for flashy CG. i'm sure that's why he was unhappy with it.

i agree that Indy should be retired at Last Crusade. the whole "riding off into the sunset" ending would lose alot of its feeling if they did another one.

plus, as much as i love Harrison Ford, i haven't liked a movie he was in in a long time. he, to me, is becoming a bit of an eyesore on screen. time was not very good to him in the aging department (i think it's his hair

). even in the Fugitive, which i liked, he seemed to be running around like a decrepit old man.

Porkchop · 02-10-2004, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeLipson

Spielberg is likely to move on to The Rivals, written by Robin Swicord. The DreamWorks drama centers on the catfight between 19th century stage stars Sarah Bernhardt and Eleonora Duse for dominance of the legit stage. Production could begin in the fall or winter, depending on who Spielberg chooses to play the divas.

That could well be the very first Spielberg movie I have no interest in seeing! Seriously, does this sound like a Spielberg movie at all?

PALMERLIME · 02-10-2004, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wynterfire

plus, as much as i love Harrison Ford, i haven't liked a movie he was in in a long time. he, to me, is becoming a bit of an eyesore on screen. time was not very good to him in the aging department (i think it's his hair

).

The hair alone... pretty bad lately.

The earring... sad.

The hair and the earring...

Scottish Punk · 02-10-2004, 04:54 PM

I am also hoping this movie never gets off the ground. Connery and Ford are too old to do it. I don't want a CGI heavy Indy movie. Sequels to movies made 10 years plus after never work out. All continuity, style, writing, actin, etc. go out the window.

SharpShooter5 · 02-10-2004, 09:57 PM

yeah, this is the last nail in the coffin

If indy 4 wants to be made it has to be now, and with the news of the script being re-written, its gonna probably be a few more months untill production starts, i doubt we'll even get a 2005 release

This was a great idea 3 years ago, but now its just a joke

larphillips · 02-10-2004, 11:00 PM

The last time it was this close was when I worked for 'The Man.' The project was tip-top secret... I was lucky to have weasled as much as I did. The concept was great, although the title was very weak. "Indiana Jones and the Men From Mars." Steven commissioned the script (I forget the writer, but it was one of the hot 'names' at the time.) This time it found Indy on his home turf, fully wrapped up in the whole 'Roswell' thing. Connery and Ford were both on board, and both had their schedule open. Lucas killed that one as it was coming to term, too. After that heartbreak, I honestly stopped getting worked up over any of the news that would trickle in. As others here have mentioned before, the time has long since past.

larphillips · 02-10-2004, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottish Punk

Sequels to movies made 10 years plus after never work out. All continuity, style, writing, actin, etc. go out the window.

I thought THE COLOR OF MONEY did a pretty good job of it. Although, in this place, it is impossible to make any statement without someone coming in with a contradiction.

Also, Terminator 3 was much better than it had any right to be.

JakeLipson · 02-12-2004, 08:59 PM

I think the Star Wars prequels did it pretty well, personally (although Lucas has forgotten how to write good dialogue.) And T3 was decent enough. But generally, I agree that sequels to old franchises usually don't work out, and here's my take on Indy IV.

Since the Indiana Jones movies don't really have any ongoing story arcs and can each stand alone as well as being a trilogy, they don't need another movie to fill out the exsisting arc (as opposed to the Star Wars prequels, which are needed to complete the rise/fall/redemption arc of Star Wars and fill out the saga.)

However, I don't think it would hurt the exsisting films if a fourth was made and I certianly would see it (and I kind of like the idea that Lucas, Speilberg and Ford have tossed around publicly of having all of Indy's women "come back to haunt him," if you know what I mean.) And Frank Marshall DID recently say that there wouldn't be any CGI involved (before the plug was pulled on production to allow for the rewrite first...do you think those remarks got Lucas scared?)

But by the same token I think it's nice as a trilogy and works well. Plus, they were all made within four years of each other (1981, 1984, 1989) and the consistancy is maintained.

So...if it's made, it's made and it will hopefully be a nice addition to the Indy canon. If not, then, well, I'm pleased with Indiiana Jones staying a trilogy.

And IF it is made and it DOES suck, well, then we can all ignore its exsistance in bliss because we've got an amazing Indiana Jones DVD box set out now with all three movies presented exellently with a good slate of extras to boot. (And Indiana Jones IV is only mentioned once on the entire set, in the music featurette.)

PALMERLIME · 02-12-2004, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottish Punk

Sequels to movies made 10 years plus after never work out. All continuity, style, writing, actin, etc. go out the window.

Would you say The Limey counts as a sequel? I would think that one might be an exception, too.

bjh_18 · 02-14-2004, 08:24 PM

Part of me would love to see Indy back up on the screen, but the other part says that it will seriously suck. Although not perfect, the Indy Trilogy is one of the best in my opinion and I'd hate to see that spoiled.

JakeLipson · 02-16-2004, 02:40 PM

More from ComingSoon.net and Ain't It Cool News (emphasis mine):

Quote:

Ain't-It-Cool-News attended the recent Santa Barbara Film Festival where Indiana Jones 4 screenwriter Frank Darabont explained why his script did not get the green light.

"The short and simple version of the Indiana Jones 4 situation is that after more than a year of working closely with Steven Spielberg developing the story, I had completed a screenplay that Steven loved and was hoping to shoot in July of this year. However, George Lucas had issues with the script and slammed on the brakes in order to rework the material himself. There is talk of enlisting another writer. Given that George is the producer, but even moreso because of their long and close friendship, Steven is deferring to George in this situation.

It is now up to them to try to find a common ground regarding the film. I wish them luck and hope their efforts result in something they're both excited about shooting. What, if anything, might remain of my work at the end of the process is anybody's guess, assuming the film even gets made at this point. As for me, I'm disappointed, but I'm putting the experience behind me and moving on with my life and my own projects."

Paramount had hoped to get into production on a fourth film in 2004 for a 2005 release, but it is now looking like a 2005 production start at the earliest.

George Lucas is going to rework and rewrite Indy IV himself? I suppose this means we can count it as officially dead now, and even if he does write it, it'll suck terribly. The guy can't write dialogue anymore!

larphillips · 02-16-2004, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeLipson

George Lucas is going to rework and rewrite Indy IV himself? I suppose this means we can count it as officially dead now, and even if he does write it, it'll suck terribly. The guy can't write dialogue anymore!

Thanks for the quote Jake. So.... you are saying that George could ever write good dialogue?

ceeece · 02-16-2004, 02:47 PM

George thinks he can write a better script than the man responsible for movie versions of "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile"?? Please!

larphillips · 02-16-2004, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceeece

George thinks he can write a better script than the man responsible for movie versions of "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile"?? Please!

PLUS George feels he has better taste than Spielberg.

Watch out, that inflated ego is gonna blow!!!

aedavela · 02-16-2004, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larphillips

PLUS George feels he has better taste than Spielberg.

Watch out, that inflated ego is gonna blow!!!

In that case, does California have any kind of "flannel fall-out" contingency plan?

larphillips · 02-16-2004, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aedavela

In that case, does California have any kind of "flannel fall-out" contingency plan?

I believe that the Ranch is fully equipped with escape pods, although wise-cracking droids are not allowed in them.

aedavela · 02-16-2004, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larphillips

I believe that the Ranch is fully equipped with escape pods, although wise-cracking droids are not allowed in them.

"That's funny, the damage doesn't look as bad out here. Are you sure this thing is safe?"

viceroy · 02-16-2004, 06:02 PM

I hope Indy doesn't battle an amry of jar-jars.

Lucas does know what he is doing in some regards, but I hope he doesn't kill this script.

Peace,
Steve

ceeece · 02-16-2004, 06:11 PM

That's funny Viceroy. I was going to say: I hope he doesn't want to add Jar Jar Jones to the story!!!

decorm · 02-17-2004, 12:45 AM

If they make another Indy movie it should be with a new cast imo. I'd rather see a relaunch of the series with a fresh perspective.

02-05-2004, 11:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
JakeLipson All Hail Peter Jackson! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry	Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull According to ComingSoon.net, Variety reports that the reunion of Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Harrison Ford for Indiana Jones 4 is on hold again as a new script draft is commissioned. Paramount had hoped to get into production on a fourth film in 2004 for a 2005 release. Frank Darabont had been brought in to script a concept the trio liked, but apparently Lucas wasn't happy with the draft. They will now bring aboard another screenwriter to rewrite Darabont's script. The trade added that Spielberg had no comment on his plans. Spielberg, Lucas and Ford have been trying for nearly a decade to mount one last Indiana Jones adventure, on the condition that all three had to love the concept and script before proceeding. Finding an availability window for Spielberg, Ford and Lucas is daunting, and it is now looking like a 2005 production start at the earliest. Ford, meanwhile, is considering other assignments, and Spielberg is likely to move on to The Rivals, written by Robin Swicord. The DreamWorks drama centers on the catfight between 19th century stage stars Sarah Bernhardt and Eleonora Duse for dominance of the legit stage. Production could begin in the fall or winter, depending on who Spielberg chooses to play the divas. Spielberg is also said to be interested in a secret project said to be making the rounds. __________________ Proud Supporter of Blu-ray Disc! My modest collection of little silver movie discs

02-06-2004, 02:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
georgep Threadkill Inspector Join Date: May 2001 Location: Where London Bridge is falling down, My Fair Lady	Neither Harrison Ford nor Sean Connery have time to spare. This project is just about dead. __________________ "I am one of the few honest people I have ever known."--Nick Carraway

02-06-2004, 04:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
Monterey Jack Wants to be John Smith Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Walpole, MA U.S.A.	I didn't want to see a fourth Indy film in the first place. Ford and Connery are both way too old for this shit (it was embarassing to see Connery have to resort to his decades-younger stuntman in League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen whenever he had to do anything more strenuous than walking briskly), and Last Crusade ended on the perfect, wistful note. Let this series enjoy retirement. __________________ "I know I can do it," Todd Downey said, helping himself to another ear of corn from the steaming bowl. "I'm sure that in time, every bit of her will be gone and her death will be a mystery... even to me."

02-10-2004, 11:00 PM	#13 (permalink)
larphillips Actor Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cleveland, OH	The last time it was this close was when I worked for 'The Man.' The project was tip-top secret... I was lucky to have weasled as much as I did. The concept was great, although the title was very weak. "Indiana Jones and the Men From Mars." Steven commissioned the script (I forget the writer, but it was one of the hot 'names' at the time.) This time it found Indy on his home turf, fully wrapped up in the whole 'Roswell' thing. Connery and Ford were both on board, and both had their schedule open. Lucas killed that one as it was coming to term, too. After that heartbreak, I honestly stopped getting worked up over any of the news that would trickle in. As others here have mentioned before, the time has long since past. __________________ I'm going with Jerkstore! Jerkstore is the line! Jerkstore! Yes. - George Costanza "What a lovely day for an exorcism." Demon/Regan - THE EXORCIST

02-12-2004, 08:59 PM	#15 (permalink)
JakeLipson All Hail Peter Jackson! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry	I think the Star Wars prequels did it pretty well, personally (although Lucas has forgotten how to write good dialogue.) And T3 was decent enough. But generally, I agree that sequels to old franchises usually don't work out, and here's my take on Indy IV. Since the Indiana Jones movies don't really have any ongoing story arcs and can each stand alone as well as being a trilogy, they don't need another movie to fill out the exsisting arc (as opposed to the Star Wars prequels, which are needed to complete the rise/fall/redemption arc of Star Wars and fill out the saga.) However, I don't think it would hurt the exsisting films if a fourth was made and I certianly would see it (and I kind of like the idea that Lucas, Speilberg and Ford have tossed around publicly of having all of Indy's women "come back to haunt him," if you know what I mean.) And Frank Marshall DID recently say that there wouldn't be any CGI involved (before the plug was pulled on production to allow for the rewrite first...do you think those remarks got Lucas scared?) But by the same token I think it's nice as a trilogy and works well. Plus, they were all made within four years of each other (1981, 1984, 1989) and the consistancy is maintained. So...if it's made, it's made and it will hopefully be a nice addition to the Indy canon. If not, then, well, I'm pleased with Indiiana Jones staying a trilogy. And IF it is made and it DOES suck, well, then we can all ignore its exsistance in bliss because we've got an amazing Indiana Jones DVD box set out now with all three movies presented exellently with a good slate of extras to boot. (And Indiana Jones IV is only mentioned once on the entire set, in the music featurette.) __________________ Proud Supporter of Blu-ray Disc! My modest collection of little silver movie discs

02-06-2004, 01:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
viceroy Actor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hollywood, CA	Oh well, good things take time. Steve

02-10-2004, 12:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bishop Actor Join Date: Nov 2003	Remember that Spielberg said in 2000 that he was not involved with AI and a year later it came out. He's keeping it a secret but it is coming out next year.

02-10-2004, 12:11 AM	#7 (permalink)
C Roberts Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Multiple Account Ban	I agree that Ford and Connery are too old. Connery doesn't even need to be in it except for having the name "Sean Connery" in the opening credits. But the reason I least want to see it is because I know Lucas and Spielberg will use mostly digital effects as that is the trend. I'd rather not get a fourth movie than get one that's visually inconsistent with the first three.

02-10-2004, 04:54 PM	#11 (permalink)
Scottish Punk Actor Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan	I am also hoping this movie never gets off the ground. Connery and Ford are too old to do it. I don't want a CGI heavy Indy movie. Sequels to movies made 10 years plus after never work out. All continuity, style, writing, actin, etc. go out the window.

02-10-2004, 09:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
SharpShooter5 Actor Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Canada	yeah, this is the last nail in the coffin If indy 4 wants to be made it has to be now, and with the news of the script being re-written, its gonna probably be a few more months untill production starts, i doubt we'll even get a 2005 release This was a great idea 3 years ago, but now its just a joke

02-14-2004, 08:24 PM	#17 (permalink)
bjh_18 Planned Thirty Drapes!! (IIRC) Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: USA	Part of me would love to see Indy back up on the screen, but the other part says that it will seriously suck. Although not perfect, the Indy Trilogy is one of the best in my opinion and I'd hate to see that spoiled. __________________ If you wake up in the morning, it’s because Jack Bauer spared your life.

02-16-2004, 02:47 PM	#20 (permalink)
ceeece Actor Join Date: Sep 2001	George thinks he can write a better script than the man responsible for movie versions of "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile"?? Please!

02-16-2004, 06:02 PM	#25 (permalink)
viceroy Actor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hollywood, CA	I hope Indy doesn't battle an amry of jar-jars. Lucas does know what he is doing in some regards, but I hope he doesn't kill this script. Peace, Steve

02-16-2004, 06:11 PM	#26 (permalink)
ceeece Actor Join Date: Sep 2001	That's funny Viceroy. I was going to say: I hope he doesn't want to add Jar Jar Jones to the story!!!

02-17-2004, 12:45 AM	#27 (permalink)
decorm Actor Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hudson, NH	If they make another Indy movie it should be with a new cast imo. I'd rather see a relaunch of the series with a fresh perspective.