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Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

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All Eyes On 'Blindness' At Cannes
14 May 2008 (StudioBriefing)
The 61st annual Cannes Film Festival gets under way tonight (Wednesday) with a screening of Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles apocalyptic thriller Blindness, about a plague of blindness that sweeps the world. The opening-night film is also competing for the festival's top prize, the Palme d'Or. In recent years, the Cannes jury -- this year's is headed by Sean Penn -- has made selections for the prize that have stunned many film journalists and critics in attendance -- but few have complained about the choices. Writing in today's International Herald Tribune, Joan Dupont commented that the festival "has a way of pumping up the action and planting a surprise" during its final days. Nevertheless, the film receiving the most publicity at the festival is George Lucas and Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which is being screened on May 18, four days before its worldwide theatrical bow. In an interview with the Associated Press, producer Frank Marshall said that Cannes provides "the perfect launching pad, because we can bring the whole world there." Meanwhile, today's (Wednesday) Los Angeles Times warns that along with the movie world's glitterati the festival sees a swarm of criminals arrive in town each year, although the town actively attempts to play down the annual crime spike. Some victims told the newspaper that they were encouraged by their hotels not to speak publicly about their losses. Emilie George, managing director of France's Memento films, charged that there is an effort afoot "to stifle all sense of any criminal doings during the festival in order to protect its image." But Nikki Parker, who is in the business of protecting images as head of international publicity for PR firm Rogers & Cowan, told the Times that she has been robbed -- twice -- at the festival by cat burglars. Even A.O. Scott, the New York Times film critic, said that he was robbed while he slept in his hotel room by burglars who took his wallet and his principal tool of the trade, his laptop computer.

Lucas Says He Reassured Spielberg About Indy Leaks
12 May 2008 (StudioBriefing)
Director Steven Spielberg was "depressed" over the number of leaks about the plot of the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull that appeared in the press and online and had to be reassured by George Lucas that they would not affect the film's box office, Lucas disclosed in an interview with the London Sunday Times. The producer told the newspaper that he told Spielberg that audiences would not be "coming to see the plot. They're coming to see Steve Spielberg interpret a story. You can't get that any other way than by seeing the movie."

Cannes Competitors Announced
23 April 2008 (StudioBriefing)
Clint Eastwood's Changeling, starring Angelina Jolie, will compete for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival next month, festival organizers announced today (Wednesday) as they unveiled the titles of 19 movies, selected from 1,792 films submitted from 96 countries, that will vie for the prestigious award. (A 20th film, from France, is due to be announced soon.) Steven Soderbergh's four-hour Che, about Cuban revolutionary hero Che Guevara and made up of two films (The Argentine and Guerrilla), will also contend for the prized trophy. German director Wim Wenders will be coming to the festival with his The Palermo Shooting. U.S. screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) is also entered in the competition with his first film as a director, Synecdoche, New York, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman. "There are films that are hair-raising because they break new ground," festival president Gilles Jacob told a news conference in Paris. Among U.S. films screening out of competition will be the Steven Spielberg-George Lucas production of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull; Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona, starring Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem; and the animated DreamWorks comedy Kung-Fu Panda, featuring the voices of Jolie, Jack Black, Lucy Liu and Dustin Hoffman. The festival runs from May 14 to May 25.

Spielberg's Fear-Tactics Silence LaBeouf
22 April 2008 (WENN)
Disturbia star Shia LaBeouf was terrified of leaking details about the forthcoming blockbuster after director Steven Spielberg sued a big-mouthed extra. LaBeouf realized how serious Spielberg was about keeping production secrets, when he was first sent a script that was bar-coded and watermarked to prevent duplication. He was also given a hotline number to call if he lost it. The actor, who stars alongside Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, also recalled the fate of 24-year-old Tyler Nelson, who was taken to court by Spielberg and his part reportedly cut from the film, after he leaked plot details in a newspaper interview. LaBeouf says, "The joke I had was that Steven (Spielberg) had snipers following me. And if I ever slipped and gave up any tidbits, that was the end."

Blanchett Gives Birth To Third Son
15 April 2008 (WENN)
Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett has given birth to her third child - welcoming another boy in to her family with playwright husband Andrew Upton. The Aviator star gave birth to son Ignatius Martin Upton on Sunday weighing just over eight pounds, according to Australian reports. The 38-year-old beauty married Upton in 1997 and has two sons with the writer/director, Dashiell, 6, and Roman, 3. Initial reports from Blachett's representatives state the mother and child are doing well. The actress is next set to be seen onscreen in the highly anticipated summer adventure Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.

Hurt Confirms: Lastest Indy Film Will Debut at Cannes
7 April 2008 (StudioBriefing)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will have its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, costar John Hurt has told a British talk show host. Appearing on the BBC's Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Hurt, who won Oscar nods for his roles in Midnight Express and The Elephant Man, described Harrison Ford's work in the film at age 65 as "brilliant," adding, "I have nothing but good things to say about him. He understands that whole franchise. He is that franchise."

'Crystal Skull' Set for Cannes Premiere
7 April 2008 (WENN)
The eagerly awaited movie Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next month. The hit franchise's latest outing featuring Harrison Ford's return as the whip-cracking hero will be shown to industry insiders at the renowned French film event days before its international release on May 22. The news was announced by celebrated Brit actor John Hurt who stars in the movie - but he failed to release any details of the movie's plot, insisting he has been sworn to secrecy. And the veteran star heaped praise on 65-year-old Ford, describing him as "brilliant." He tells U.K. talk show host Jonathan Ross, "I have nothing but good things to say about him. He understands that whole franchise. He is that franchise." The fourth installment in the popular franchise, which has taken 18 years to come to fruition, also stars Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett and Shia LaBeouf.

Lucas: Don't Get Your Hopes Up About Indy
25 March 2008 (StudioBriefing)
George Lucas is clearly concerned that Indiana Jones fans may have built up unrealistic expectations for his upcoming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. "When you do a movie like this, a sequel that's very, very anticipated, people anticipate ultimately that it's going to be the Second Coming," Lucas told USA Today. "And it's not. It's just a movie. Just like the other movies. You probably have fond memories of the other movies. But if you went back and looked at them, they might not hold up the same way your memory holds up." In fact, he added, when expectations rise to such heights, "You're not going to get a lot of accolades. ... All you can do is lose."

Indiana Jones and the Gold of the Internet
3 March 2008 (StudioBriefing)
In just one week, the trailer for Paramount's upcoming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has been viewed more than 200 million times worldwide, according to Gerry Rich, Paramount's president of worldwide marketing. "The response has been sensational and it shows what technology can do when you have material that is so appealing to audiences," Rich told the Associated Press. Harry Knowles, who runs the website AintItCool.com, told A.P., "It seems that everyone is extremely excited that there's a new 'Indiana Jones' film. The excitement for it is palpable. It's much more aggressively anticipated than anything else that's coming out right now." The film is due to be released on May 22.

'Indy 4' To Debut at Cannes?
26 February 2008 (StudioBriefing)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is likely to have its official worldwide premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, FoxNews.com columnist Roger Friedman reported Monday, citing several unnamed sources. Friedman said that Spielberg's representatives are currently in negotiations with officials of the festival for the Indiana Jones sequel to open the week-long festivities, with Spielberg, George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Karen Allen, and others making appearances on the red carpet at Cannes's Palais.

Winstone To Take a Break From Movies
23 November 2007 (WENN)
British actor Ray Winstone is to take a break from making films, because his heavy workload has left him exhausted. The 50-year-old has starred in variety of recent blockbusters including The Departed, Beowulf and the forthcoming Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull - and his raised profile has led to a number of offers pouring in. But Winstone is determined to keep his work schedule clear for the foreseeable future - no matter how lucrative - so he can enjoy some well-earned time off. He says, "I just turned one down. It was a biggie, and good and all. But I thought, 'I've had enough for a while. I'm knackered. I need to recharge my batteries'."

LaBeouf Arrested for Trespassing
5 November 2007 (WENN)
Transformers star Shia LaBeouf was arrested in Chicago, Illinois for trespassing in a discount store. The 21-year-old actor, who plays Harrison Ford's sidekick in the upcoming Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull adventure film, was taken into custody on Sunday morning after refusing to leave a Walgreens store at 2am, according to the Chicago Tribune newspaper. Details of his arrest remain hazy, but it appears LaBeouf refused to leave the store after security requests, and staff called the police. LaBeouf will appear in court on November 28.

Unlike Digital-Loving Lucas, Spielberg Sticks to Film
10 October 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Unlike his producing cohort George Lucas, Steven Spielberg has rejected digital photography for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. In an interview with the website CHUD.com, Spielberg said that he intends to "be the last guy in Hollywood shooting live action on film, despite the arguments Lucas makes" for digital production. Spielberg also reportedly said that while there may be some digital effects used in the film, he intends to go "as old school as he can." Appearing to violate his own non-disclosure policy, Spielberg also confirmed much Internet gossip that the villains in the new movie will be Russian Communists, not German Nazis.

Police Arrest Suspect in Stolen Indiana Jones Photos Case
5 October 2007 (WENN)
Los Angeles police detectives have foiled a plan to sell photographs stolen from the set of the new Indiana Jones film by pretending they wanted to buy them. The undercover cops set up a meeting with Roderick Davis at the Standard Hotel in Hollywood on Tuesday after learning he was allegedly trying to sell photos taken from the set of Indiana Jones & The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. After initially discussing terms with Davis, police identified themselves and then arrested him on suspicion of receiving stolen property. Director Steven Spielberg called cops to the Universal Studios set of the film last week after realizing the photographs and computers had been stolen from his office.

Indiana Jones and the Hollywood Sting
4 October 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Los Angeles County Sheriff's officers set up a sting operation to nab a man suspected of stealing laptop computers and hundreds of photos from the latest Indiana Jones movie last Tuesday. According to a Los Angeles Times account, authorities were contacted by the operators of several unnamed entertainment gossip websites, who told them that they had received emails from someone offering to sell images from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Sheriff's detectives then replied to the man's messages, saying they were interested in the photos and setting up a meeting at a West Hollywood hotel. The man who arrived -- and was promptly arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property -- was 37-year-old Roderick Davis of Cerritos (who was also charged with violating his parole). A spokesman for the Sheriff's office said Wednesday that "other people are involved in the theft."

Police Investigate Theft on Indiana Jones Set
4 October 2007 (WENN)
Police have been called to the set of the new Indiana Jones movie following the theft of computers and photographs. Crew members noticed the items were missing on Monday and immediately alerted director Steven Spielberg. The movie mogul's publicists have confirmed the theft but refused to comment further because "a law enforcement investigation is ongoing." The latest setback comes a week after film extra Tyler Nelson breached a confidentiality agreement and revealed plot details about the new film, Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, to a reporter on his local paper in Oklahoma.

Indiana Jones and the Mysterious Leaks
3 October 2007 (StudioBriefing)
On the same day that it was announced that Lucasfilm and DreamWorks Pictures had settled a lawsuit that they had brought against an actor in the new Indiana Jones movie who had revealed some innocuous plot information about it, the Los Angeles Times reported that computers and photographs related to the movie had been stolen. The Times quoted a spokesman for Steven Spielberg as saying that the director was concerned that the thieves might try to sell the material. He warned the media that it was considered stolen property. Meanwhile, the studio declined to provide terms of its settlement with Tyler Nelson, who appears briefly in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and who, breaking a non-disclosure agreement, discussed his experience on the set of the movie with his hometown newspaper in Oklahoma -- a story that was picked up by other newspapers, including the New York Post.

Spielberg Furious After Indiana Jones Plot Is Leaked
1 October 2007 (WENN)
Hollywood filmmaker Steven Spielberg is threatening to axe scenes starring actor Tyler Nelson in the upcoming Indiana Jones movie after he leaked the plot line to an Oklahoma newspaper. Upcoming star Nelson, 24, was so excited about landing a role alongside Harrison Ford and Cate Blanchett in Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, he revealed the plot and every major scene to local paper, the Edmond Sun. And now Spielberg is considering cutting all scenes featuring Nelson from the film following his betrayal. A spokesman for Spielberg says, "Who knows if he's ever going to work in town again?" The new Indiana Jones movie has been shrouded in secrecy since filming began earlier this year. The title of the sequel was only made public by actor Shia LaBeouf at the MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas on September 9.

Extra Reveals 'Indiana Jones' Plot Points
26 September 2007 (StudioBriefing)
It's hard to believe that ticket sales for the next Indiana Jones movie could be affected in the slightest by the remarks of an extra working on the film to an Oklahoma newspaper. But Marvin Levy, a spokesman for Steven Spielberg, who is directing the movie, told today's (Wednesday) New York Post, "Who knows whether that particular person will ever work in this town again?" The Post, which posted no spoiler alerts, noted that an extra, who was due to perform as a "dancing Russian soldier," told the Oklahoma paper that: 1. The story concerns a search by Indy and the Soviet army for a priceless skull made of crystal, hidden in the jungles of South America; 2. Indy is taken hostage by the Russians who threaten to kill his ex-girlfriend and mother of his son if he doesn't cooperate; 3. One of the Russians is played by Cate Blanchett who questions Indy in the movie. The extra, a ballet dancer who was trained at the Bolshoi, said that his own big scene comes when he celebrates Indy's capture by dancing to a balalaika. However, the Post remarked that Spielberg, who is said to be "furious" over the dancer's revelations, is likely to cut his scene from the film.

Maybe Viacom CEO Didn't Diss Spielberg, After All
21 September 2007 (StudioBriefing)
An examination by the New York Times of the actual transcript of Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman's recent remarks about the possibility of Steven Spielberg leaving DreamWorks at the end of his contract next year suggests that Dauman may not have been as dismissive of Spielberg's value to the company as originally reported. In capsulizing Dauman's remarks to an investors' conference in New York on Tuesday, Daily Variety and other publications focused on his comment that if Spielberg left DreamWorks, "the financial impact to Paramount first and especially to Viacom over all would be completely immaterial." However, the Times observed, Dauman was using the term "immaterial" in the Wall Street sense -- meaning impact on reported earnings. The newspaper commented that Dauman's intended meaning "was perhaps lost in translation when the phrase hit Hollywood ears." The Times further pointed out that earlier in his remarks, Dauman had noted that Spielberg was currently directing the new Indiana Jones film and emphasized that it was being produced and released under the Paramount banner. He added: "We're doing everything possible to make him happy." On Thursday, Paramount Chairman Brad Grey told the Times: "I have the greatest respect for the creativity of Steven Spielberg and the entire DreamWorks team, as well as the immense entrepreneurial business skills of David Geffen. ... On behalf of Viacom and Paramount, I hope we're all in business for a very long time." (Separately, he told the Los Angeles Times: "It would always be better to have Steven and DreamWorks with us, but of course we'll be OK [if they leave].") And even if Spielberg does decide to ditch DreamWorks next year, the New York Times observed, it "would also probably maintain business ties with Mr. Spielberg for years to come without an executive contract, because it has acquired years' worth of projects in which he has a creative interest."

Next Indiana Jones Movie Has a Name
10 September 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Shia LaBeouf, who costars in the next Indiana Jones sequel, revealed the title of the movie during his appearance at Sunday night's MTV Video Awards festivities. Although telling the audience that Steven Spielberg and George Lucas had sworn him to secrecy about the title, LaBeouf remarked, "We're in Vegas, baby, so here it goes." He said that Spielberg and Lucas had decided on Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull as the title. That title was one of five registered by Lucasfilm with the MPAA last month. Others included ...The Lost City of Gold, ...The City of Gods, ...The Fourth Corner of the World, and The Quest for the Covenant.

Oscar Winner Broadbent Joins 'Indiana Jones' Cast
21 June 2007 (WENN)
Revered British actor Jim Broadbent has joined the cast of the upcoming fourth Indiana Jones movie. The Moulin Rouge star will join fellow Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf and fellow Brits John Hurt and Ray Winstone in the much-anticipated action film. Production on the film, which reunites director Steven Spielberg, executive producer George Lucas and Ford as the adventurer, began on Monday. The movie is scheduled for release next summer. Broadbent won the 2001 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Iris, the same year he also appeared in Moulin Rouge and Bridget Jones's Diary.

Indiana Jones To Begin Shooting in New Mexico
11 June 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Although, as with all Steven Spielberg movies, a thick wall of secrecy surrounds the production of the upcoming Indiana Jones movie, enterprising reporters in New Mexico have observed that work has already begun on transforming the town of Deming into Morocco during World War II for initial filming due to begin later this month. The Las Cruces Sun-News noted that a building at the former air strip near the town has been painted blue, with an Air Force insignia and the words "Home of the Fighter Pilot" painted on the wall. Vehicles with Air Force insignias are also parked nearby. The newspaper said that the film's working title is Indiana Jones and the City of the Gods. Other reports have indicated that production will move to tropical-forest locations near Hilo, Hawaii following the New Mexico shoot.

Connery Won't Return for Indiana Jones Sequel
8 June 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Sean Connery will not give up retirement to play Indiana Jones's father again. In a statement posted on Lucasfilm's Indiana Jones website, Connery said that he had "thought long and hard about" returning to films, "and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an Indiana Jones film. I love working with Steven and George, and it goes without saying that it is an honor to have Harrison as my son. [Connery is 76; Ford is 64.] But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun."

Connery Won't Be in 'Indiana Jones IV'
8 June 2007 (WENN)
Sir Sean Connery has announced he will not be returning for the next film in the Indiana Jones franchise. The 76-year-old had been tipped to reprise his role from 1989's Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade as Harrison Ford's screen father, but has now confirmed he is sticking to his 2005 resolution to quit acting. He says, "I thought long and hard about it, and if anything could have pulled me out of retirement it would have been an Indiana Jones film. I love working with Steven and George, and it goes without saying that it is an honor to have Harrison as my son. But in the end, retirement is just too damned much fun." Elsewhere, John Hurt has been added to the cast. It is unclear what character the veteran star will play, but he is joining Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett and Ray Winstone on the movie. Connery adds, "This is a remarkable cast, and I can only say, 'Break a leg, everyone.' I'll see you at the theatre."

Darabont Angry at "Wasted Year" Over 'Indiana Jones 4' Script
20 April 2007 (WENN)
The Shawshank Redemption filmmaker Frank Darabont has hit out at movie mogul George Lucas for preventing Steven Spielberg from shooting his script for the upcoming Indiana Jones sequel, claiming his efforts were "a waste of a year." Darabont wrote a screenplay for the highly-anticipated movie, which is still known by its working title of Indiana Jones 4, and insists director Spielberg was happy with it. However, producer Lucas didn't think it was good enough. Darabont tells MTV.com, "It showed me how badly things can go. I spent a year of very determined effort on something I was very excited about, working very closely with Steven Spielberg and coming up with a result that I and he felt was terrific. He wanted to direct it as his next movie, and then suddenly the whole thing goes down in flames because George Lucas doesn't like the script. I told him (Lucas) he was crazy. I said, 'You have a fantastic script. I think you're insane, George.' You can say things like that to George, and he doesn't even blink. He's one of the most stubborn men I know." He adds, "I have no idea if there's a shred of (my script) left. It was a tremendous disappointment and a waste of a year." And Darabont has no plans to reveal what his Indiana Jones script contains: "At this point, I don't give much of a damn what George thinks, but I wouldn't want to harm my friendship with Steven."

Filmgoers Get a Peep of 'Disturbia'
16 April 2007 (StudioBriefing)
The Paramount/DreamWorks alliance paid off again over the weekend as Disturbia took over the top spot at the box office with an estimated $23 million in ticket sales, far ahead of expectations. It reportedly cost $20 million to make, and analysts had predicted that it would earn about $12 million. The film sent Blades of Glory, also from Paramount/DreamWorks, sliding to second place with $14.1 million after holding the No. 1 position for the previous two weeks. The success of the film also answers the question of whether 20-year-old Shia LaBeouf has enough vowel recognition to open a film on his own. On Friday, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg announced that LaBeouf had been selected to co-star in the next Indiana Jones movie. Meanwhile, things went from bad to worse for The Weinstein Co.'s Grindhouse, which plummeted 62 percent to tenth place with just $4.2 million. It was also a bad weekend for a slew of new releases, including Perfect Stranger, starring Bruce Willis and Halle Berry, which finished fourth with $11.5 million, while 20th Century Fox's Pathfinder debuted in sixth place with $.8 million. Redline, starring Eddie Griffin, didn't even make the top ten as it opened with $4 million. Opening on only 877 screens, Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters took in a respectable $3.1 million. Sales for the top 12 films were down 9.4 percent to $99.4 million, according to Media by Numbers. Overseas, Mr. Bean's Holiday, starring Rowan Atkinson, which was knocked out of the top spot on the overseas box office last week by 300, returned to the top spot this weekend as it added another $18 million to its gross, bringing it to $127 million.

The top ten films for the weekend, according to studio estimates compiled by Media by Numbers: 1. Disturbia, $23 million; 2. Blades of Glory, $14.1 million; 3. Meet the Robinsons, $12.1 million; 4. Perfect Stranger, $11.5 million; 5. Are We Done Yet?, $9.2 million; 6. Pathfinder, $4.8 million; 7. Wild Hogs, $4.6 million; 8. The Reaping, $4.6 million; 9. 300, $4.3 million; 10. Grindhouse, $4.2 million.

Lucas Still Trying To Sign Connery for Jones Movie
6 April 2007 (WENN)
Movie mogul George Lucas refuses to give up on recruiting Sean Connery for the fourth Indiana Jones movie, despite the Scottish star's reluctance to sign on as the adventurer's father. Connery has been linked to the upcoming fourth Indiana Jones movie, but insists he's not that interested in reprising his role as Henry Jones from Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade. That hasn't stopped persistent Lucas, who says, "We're still trying." In other Indiana Jones casting news, Lucas admits he was stunned when director Steven Spielberg told him he wanted to sign Cate Blanchett as Jones' love interest in the new film. He tells newspaper USA Today, "That's who my director wanted and I always bow to the wishes of my director. I approved it because she seemed like a good idea. When I met her at the Academy Awards, I told her, 'Hey, you work for me now!'"

Winstone Lined Up for Indiana Jones Sequel
29 March 2007 (WENN)
Hollywood tough guy Ray Winstone has signed up to play Harrison Ford's sidekick in the upcoming Indiana Jones sequel. The British star will join Ford, who is reprising his role as the intrepid adventurer, with Steven Spielberg again in the director's chair. As previously reported, Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett is also on board. The storyline for the new film, which is penned by Spider-Man writer David Koepp, is being kept under wraps. It is not known if Sean Connery will be returning as Ford's movie father in the third sequel. The fourth Indiana Jones installment resurrects the lucrative franchise after nearly 20 years. The film is set to begin filming in June in Los Angeles, and will be released in May 2008.

It's Official: Indy To Return on May 22, 2008
7 February 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Paramount on Tuesday confirmed that it will release the next Indiana Jones installment on Thursday, May 22, 2008. The studio also said that it plans a simultaneous worldwide release of the as-yet-untitled film, which will be produced by Lucasfilm Ltd., directed by Steven Spielberg, and star Harrison Ford. Frank Marshall will receive the top producer's credit, while George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy will serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by David Koepp. The studio had previously announced that production will begin in June.

Paramount Sets Date for Indy's Return
6 February 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Paramount plans to release the next Indiana Jones sequel on Thursday, May 22, 2008, according to the BoxOfficeMojo website, which cited no sources. It said that the studio is now referring to the film as Fourth Installment of the Indiana Jones Adventure.

Connery Considers Returning As Indiana Jones' Dad
26 January 2007 (WENN)
The Untouchables Oscar winner Sean Connery may reprise his role as Indiana Jones' father in the fourth installment of the film franchise - if he likes the script. After months spent refusing to comment about the new movie, which will bring Harrison Ford back as the intrepid archaeologist, Connery has told the Teletext news service he is considering playing Dr. Henry Jones again. The Scottish movie star created the part for Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade almost 20 years ago. He says, "At the moment there's nothing decided. I haven't got the script. Everything depends on the script."

Connery May Chuck Retirement for Indy Sequel
22 January 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Sean Connery is considering stepping out of retirement to appear in the planned Indiana Jones sequel as the principal character's father. In an interview with Scotland on Sunday, Connery acknowledged that he had already been approached by George Lucas about appearing in the as-yet-untitled film and that he is seriously considering doing so. However, he added, "At the moment, there's nothing decided. I haven't got the script. Everything depends on the script." Connery has not appeared in a movie since The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in 2002 during which he admittedly clashed repeatedly with the director. He said last August that the time had come for him to retire "because of my rather unfortunate last movie. ... The cost to me in terms of frustration and avoiding going to jail for murder cannot have continued."

Koepp Keeps Indiana Jones Alive
2 January 2007 (StudioBriefing)
Screenwriter David Koepp (Spider-Man, Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds) has succeeded in pulling off what several other top screenwriters had failed at: provide an Indiana Jones sequel that would satisfy the three principals -- George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford. The three confirmed on Monday that they plan to begin filming Koepp's script -- a title was not disclosed -- for the fourth Indiana Jones film in June, with a May 2008 target for worldwide release. The last Indiana Jones move, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, was released by Paramount in 1989. Spielberg told reporters, "We feel that the script was well worth the wait. We hope it delivers everything you'd expect from our history with Indiana Jones. ... George, Harrison and I are all very excited."

Lucas Sets Indiana Jones Shoot Date
2 January 2007 (WENN)
The much-anticipated fourth Indiana Jones installment will be filmed this year, writer/producer George Lucas confirms. The filmmaker promises the sequel will be the most exciting chapter to date after finalizing the script with director Steven Spielberg. He says, "It's going to be fantastic. It's going to be the best one yet." He adds the film will be a "character piece" and see Harrison Ford reprise his role as the titular hero. Ford played Indiana Jones in 1981's Raiders Of The Lost Ark, 1984's Indiana Jones and the Temple Of Doom and 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, which also featured Sean Connery.

No Redemption for 'Indy 4' Writer
8 November 2006 (StudioBriefing)
The latest effort to bring back Indiana Jones appears doomed, according to writer-director Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption). Darabont told a movie website that focuses on films in development that although Steven Spielberg had praised his script for Indiana Jones 4 as "the best draft of anything since Raiders of the Lost Ark, " his excitement was not shared by fellow producer George Lucas. In the interview with Devin Faraci of CHUD.com, Darabont said Spielberg's praise "gave me a real sense of accomplishment, especially when you love the material you're working on as much as I love the Indiana Jones films. And then you have George Lucas read it and say, 'Yeah, I don't think so, I don't like it.' And then he resets it to zero." Asked whether he believes Indy 4 will ever be filmed, Darabont replied, "I don't think so. ... I just think it's fantastically bizarre that for a project that people have been trying to crack for ten years and have a writer come in and finally crack it and then ... [for Lucas to] say, 'No, I don't think so...' It's just bizarre to me. I can't get into George's head."

Lucas: "I Don't Want To Make Movies Anymore"
6 November 2006 (WENN)
Director George Lucas wants to quit filmmaking to concentrate on more lucrative TV projects. The Star Wars creator says making movies is too risky nowadays, because the average cost of shooting and marketing a blockbuster is now $200 million, so he's steering his production company Lucasfilm towards TV and low-budget movies. Lucas also believes internet downloading is set to shake up the film industry, reports Empire magazine. He reveals, "We don't want to make movies, we're getting into television. The feature film thing is too expensive and it's too risky. For that same $200 million I can make 50 to 60 two-hour movies." He adds, "I don't think anyone's going to be in the (movie-going habit) anymore. Everything is going to be a matter of choice. I think that's going to be a huge revolution in the medium." However, Lucas isn't giving up his film career just yet - he's currently working on Red Tails, a low-budget film about America's first black military airmen, and the fourth Indiana Jones movie.

Ford: "I'm Fit Enough To Play Indiana Jones"
23 October 2006 (WENN)
Movie star Harrison Ford has reassured fans of Indiana Jones he's still fit enough to play the action hero one more time - at 64. The actor was bombarded with questions about the much publicized fourth Indiana Jones movie when he showed up at the inaugural Rome Film Festival in Italy on Friday, and insisted he's "fit to continue" as the movie archaeologist. He said, "We need to move on for artistic reasons and obvious physical reasons (but) I feel fit to continue and bring the same physical action." The fourth Indiana Jones movie has been in development for more than a decade, but the production has recently gained momentum after producer George Lucas revealed he and director Steven Spielberg are working on a script.

Connery to Announce Movie Retirement at AFI
9 April 2006 (WENN)
Sir Sean Connery is expected to officially announce he is quitting Hollywood when he collects his Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Film Institute later this year. Connery, who is recuperating after undergoing surgery to remove a Kidney tumor in January, plans to spend his time writing books instead. He says, "I have retired for good. It's been a bit rough since Christmas but I'm perfectly OK and I feel well. In fact, I'm working on a history book." Harrison Ford, meanwhile, is campaigning for the actor to return to The screen for the upcoming fourth Indiana Jones movie.

Ford and Connery Reunite for ‘Indiana Jones 4’?
5 April 2006 (WENN)
Harrison Ford has thrilled fans by hinting at a reunion with Sir Sean Connery on the set of the much-anticipated fourth Indiana Jones movie. The Scottish screen legend wowed fans as the action archeologist's father in the series' third movie, Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, and looks set to continue his role into the fourth film. The as-yet untitled movie is still in the pre-production phase but Ford hopes to start work soon. Coy Ford smiles, "I can't really say, but I would hope."

Indy To Return, Plus a New Game
29 March 2006 (StudioBriefing)
Barely a week after published reports disclosed that George Lucas had approved a new script for a fourth Indiana Jones movie and had passed it on to the Steven Spielberg, the filmmaker's Lucasarts and Industrial Light and Magic units announced that they would jointly produce a new video game for Sony's PlayStation 3, which is now due to hit the shelves in November, and Xbox 360. The announcement, made at the Game Developers Conference in San Jose, appeared to be the first official indication that the popular character was being resurrected.

Ford Says Indiana Jones Sequel Nearing Start Date
16 March 2006 (WENN)
Harrison Ford has confirmed shooting on the forthcoming Indiana Jones sequel is nearing a start date now that he and director Steven Spielberg have approved the script. Ford, Spielberg and producer George Lucas have been waiting for the perfect script before they start filming the long-gestating follow-up to 1989's Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade. Ford tells German magazine Fit For Fun, "Steven Spielberg and I now have a script in hand that we both like. I believe that we can start with the filming soon."

'Jurassic Park 4' To Begin Shooting Next Year?
22 February 2006 (WENN)
Director Steven Spielberg will reportedly begin filming the fourth installment of Jurassic Park next year. The Munich director is also currently getting ready to resurrect the Indiana Jones franchise with Harrison Ford later this year. Producer Frank Marshall confirms the script for the next version of the dinosaur epic has been finalized: "It has a good script now, so we should have that one up and running next year, for release in 2008." The character of Lexie, the granddaughter of Sir Richard Attenborough's character, is expected to be the lead role in the new film, according to Moviehole.net.

Madsen Favorite To Play Indiana Jones' Girl
3 February 2006 (WENN)
Sideways star Virginia Madsen so impressed co-star Harrison Ford in new thriller Firewall, she's now the frontrunner to play his love interest in the fourth Indiana Jones adventure. Madsen plays Ford's wife in the new movie and admits they both found an unusual chemistry on set - after the ageing action man handpicked her for the role. And now Madsen is a clear favorite to play the leading lady in Indiana Jones 4. Ford tells movieline.net, "She was an absolute delight - professional, very talented and simply, very sweet. She also took what could have been a fairly one-dimensional damsel in distress role and added so many layers to it - there isn't many who could do that. I'd work with her again in a heartbeat. I'm actually hoping she'll come over for Indiana Jones. We've talked about it."

Ford Gives Spielberg & Lucas Indiana Jones Deadline
18 January 2006 (WENN)
Harrison Ford has given movie moguls Steven Spielberg and George Lucas a two-year time frame to make the fourth Indiana Jones film. The ageing action man is confident the next installment of the heroic adventurer's exploits will make it to the big screen eventually, but he's keen to hurry the process along. The 63-year-old says, "It's looking very good to do another one. I haven't felt this positive about it happening in a long time... but if it doesn't happen in the next two years we should all forget it." The film is tentatively scheduled to begin production next year.

Scarlett Set for 'Indiana Jones 4'?
14 March 2005 (WENN)
Harrison Ford is set for a new sidekick when he returns to the big screen as Indiana Jones - in the shape of actress Scarlett Johansson. Tom Cruise has been championing the Oscar nominee for a part in pal Steven Spielberg's fourth Indiana Jones movie as the pair work together on Armageddon drama War of the Worlds. Cruise has been working with Johansson on the third Mission: Impossible movie and he's convinced she'll be perfect for the new Jones film, according to Australia's NW Magazine. An insider says, "Steven was saying there is a shortage of young actresses who can carry off a strong role. He considered Natalie Portman, but she's too connected with Star Wars - Tom suggested Scarlett."

'Indy 4' Still a Go, Says Ford
6 December 2004 (StudioBriefing)
Asked by the Internet website IESB.net whether Indiana Jones 4 will ever be made, Harrison Ford replied, "No doubt about it." Button-holed at a charity event for Amnesty International, Ford was asked about reports that a younger actor might replace him in the role. "No problem with a younger actor taking on Indiana Jones, but Indy 4 is mine," he responded. As to whether Sean Connery would appear in the next sequel, he remarked, "He says that he is now retired, so I don't know." Ford dodged a question about whether he was happy with the script, saying only "I hear that [producer] George Lucas is happy with the way the new draft is turning out."

'Indiana Jones IV' Back On
28 October 2004 (WENN)
George Lucas and Steven Spielberg have hired a new scriptwriter to help them revive plans for a fourth Indiana Jones movie. The pair hoped to begin work on the sequel this summer but have rejected all scripts offered to them - including a screenplay by Shawshank Redemption and Green Mile writer Frank Darabont. But they are refusing to give up the project they have planned for the last decade - and hired Jeff Nathanson to try his hand at a screenplay. Nathanson is most famous for writing the Rush Hour films, but has worked with Spielberg on Catch Me If You Can and The Terminal. If Lucas and Spielberg approve, Harrison Ford will return to play the adventurous archeologist for the first time since Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade in 1989.

Lucas Keeps Indiana Jones Fans Waiting
22 September 2004 (WENN)
Hollywood director George Lucas is refusing to rush pre-production work on the fourth installment of his Indiana Jones franchise - because he'll only set cameras rolling when the script is "really good". The eagerly awaited return of the adventurous archaeologist - played by Harrison Ford in all three previous releases - has already been delayed after Lucas reportedly rejected The Shawshank Redemption film-maker Frank Darabont's script. But the Star Wars legend insists a new writer is now on board to fine tune the plot. And Lucas and director Steven Spielberg are in no hurry to start shooting the movie, because their perfectionist approach to movie-making means the fourth Jones will only hit cinema screens when it's deemed good enough to do the series justice. He tells website EmpireOnline.co.uk, "We are working on the next script. Another writer has started working on it. We're just not going to make it unless it's really good. One of the reasons I'm able to work with Steven so well is because every time we come to a disagreement we'll yield to the other one, which means we'll come up with a compromise that considers both sides, and one person isn't determined to have his way. It's what's best for the movie."

'Indiana Jones 4' Stalled Over Script Concerns
16 July 2004 (WENN)
The eagerly awaiting new Indiana Jones movie won't be released for another two years, because producer George Lucas isn't happy with the script. Indiana Jones 4 has been in the works for a number of years but looked likely to hit screens next year after Lucas recruited star Harrison Ford and original director Steven Spielberg for the project, and hired Frank Darabont to write a screenplay. But Lucas has sent the Shawshank Redemption writer back to the drawing board. A studio source reveals, "Indiana Jones 4 was meant to start shooting this summer but won't now be coming out until 2006. Even though Harrison and director Steven Spielberg were happy with the screenplay, Lucas still doesn't like the final act and wants a faster pace and more action."

'Indy 4' Faces Script Delay
9 February 2004 (WENN)
Legendary film-maker George Lucas is delaying the filming of the long- awaited Indiana Jones 4 - because he's unhappy with the script. The Star Wars director, who's acting as executive producer alongside director Steven Spielberg, is allegedly dissatisfied with the screenplay handed in by Shawshank Redemption director Frank Darabont. And it now seems the sequel's projected 2005 release date is unlikely to be met, with shooting on the Harrison Ford-starring movie now likely to start next year instead.

Karmazin Supports Paramount Execs
9 December 2003 (StudioBriefing)
Viacom President and COO Mel Karmazin gave Paramount CEO Sherry Lansing and Viacom Entertainment Chairman Jonathan Dolgen his strong backing Tuesday despite the studio's poor performance at the box office this year. Referring to Paramount's "terrific management," Karmazin told a conference in New York Monday, "Have they been on a cold streak lately? Yeah. Is it profitable? Absolutely. Would we like them to make more money? Yes." He then added: "I don't think there is anything broken that a few hit films wouldn't fix." He said that he plans to meet with the Paramount execs next Tuesday to discuss their planned releases for 2005, which include the first SpongeBob SquarePants movie and a new Indiana Jones sequel.

New Indiana Jones Movie To Sport Few Special Effects
10 September 2003 (StudioBriefing)
Producer Frank Marshall has told the U.K. website Empire Online that he hopes to keep a "B-movie feel" about Indiana Jones 4, due to start filming next year and open in theaters on the July 4th holiday in 2005. Marshall said that he expects to avoid loading the film with computer effects. "One of the things I enjoy about these movies is that they do recall the old cliffhanger serials of the '30s and '40s," said Marshall. "We didn't have computer effects in those days, we couldn't easily erase things and I think one of the unfortunate by-products of the computer age is that it makes filmmakers lazy. You become more creative. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, that's a real ball rolling behind him so Harrison really is in some danger running in front of that; these are real situations and that adds to the excitement and the creative energy on the set."

Producer Says 'Indy 4' Will Not Rely on CGI
10 September 2003 (WENN)
Indiana Jones producer Frank Marshall is determined to shun the current trends in movie making - insisting the upcoming fourth installment of the hit franchise will avoid using computer effects. Frank is adamant the sequel to the hit Harrison Ford adventure franchise will retain the tradition of its classic forerunners by utilizing real stunt work instead of high-tech graphics, giving it the feel of a B-movie. He says, "We didn't have computer effects in those days, we couldn't easily erase things and I think one of the unfortunate by-products of the computer age is that it makes filmmakers lazy. You become more creative when you have to hide ramps with a tree rather than erase it later as you can today. In Raiders Of The Lost Ark, that's a real ball rolling behind him so Harrison really is in some danger running in front of that; these are real situations and that adds to the excitement and the creative energy on the set. When you start getting into computers you get fantastical situations like in The Matrix or movies like that. We don't want that, we want exciting heroism, we want seat-of-your-pants, skin-of-your-teeth action. We didn't have all the money in the world on the first films and we want to keep that B-movie feel. We want to make Indiana Jones 4 like we made the first three."