Overview
Back in 1981, when Raiders of the Lost Ark made archaeologist Indiana Jones one of the biggest big-screen characters there is, it did so with fantastic casting. Harrison Ford added a new George Lucas-created franchise to his name after Star Wars and a hit was born — one that's still going a whopping 42 years later, including 39 years since Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom gave it a sequel, 34 years since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade initially seemed to wrap things up and 15 years after Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull got things going again.
The latest Indy entry: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which arrives in cinemas this June. As well as bringing back its legendary star fresh from proving a cantankerous delight in streaming comedy Shrinking — yes, he dons the famous hat once more, in what's been dubbed his final appearance in the role — the new flick also makes a few fresh stellar casting moves. Getting Fleabag favourite Phoebe Waller-Bridge onboard is clearly one of them.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny heads back to the 60s, and uses the Space Race between the US and the Soviet Union as a backdrop. And, as both the movie's initial teaser back in 2022, its sneak peek during the Super Bowl and now its just-dropped full trailer all show, Indiana Jones has his goddaughter in tow — with Waller-Bridge's Helena enjoying plenty of bantering, naturally, with the saga's namesake.
Wondering what else is in store? In addition to Ford, Dr Henry Walton 'Indiana' Jones Jr's famous headwear and that whip — two different looks at Ford, actually, including Indy in the film's present day and Indy in the past, with the movie using digital de-ageing technology — there are Nazis to battle and the famous John Williams-composed theme soundtracking the action as well.
Story-wise, the also supremely well-cast Mads Mikkelsen (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) leads a group of Nazis trying to use The Dial of Destiny's titular trinket to change the past and claim power — a gadget that Helena has her own plans for in the name of capitalism.
The archaeologist's latest outing brings in a few changes to the series, with Steven Spielberg (The Fabelmans) out of the director's chair for the first time ever, handing over the reins to Logan and Ford v Ferrari's James Mangold. And, Lucas doesn't have a part in the script, either, with Mangold co-scripting with Ford v Ferrari's Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth.
On-screen, John Rhys-Davies returns as as Sallah, too, while Antonio Banderas (Official Competition), Thomas Kretschmann (Das Boot), Toby Jones (The English) and Boyd Holbrook (The Sandman) join the on-screen talent alongside Shaunette Renee Wilson (Black Panther), Oliver Richters (The King's Man) and Ethann Isidore (Mortel).
And yes, if it's a big blockbuster franchise, it stars Harrison Ford, and it debuted in the 70s or 80s, then it's always coming back to the screen — as Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens and its sequels have, as well as Blade Runner 2049.
Check out the full trailer for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny below:
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny releases in cinemas Down Under on June 29, 2023.
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