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George Lucas’Indiana Jonesfranchise has been a part of many childhoods and soon we will get to see Harrison Ford play Indy for the last time inIndiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.With the end of an era inching closer and closer, it’s important to note how it all began and how Steven Spielberg got to serve as a director on the first four films.
Would you believe it if we say that Steven Spielberg was not George Lucas’ first choice when it came to directingIndiana Jones?Well, it’s true. George Lucas had his sight set on a producer for the task. However, things didn’t exactly go according to his plan as an intervention by Clint Eastwood turned things around for the franchise.
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How Steven Spielberg Got to Direct George Lucas’Indiana Jones
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Raiders of the Lost Ark wasreleased in 1981 when the world first sawHarrison Forddon Indiana Jones’ fedora. However, if things had gone according toGeorge Lucas, the film would have been released a while back. The hindrance to the film’s release was caused by filmmakerClint Eastwood, albeit unknowingly.
InThe Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark,Lucas stated that he discussed his idea for the franchise with producer Phil Kaufman who was absolutely on board. They had discussions and began developing the film. Kaufman was also responsible for the use of the Ark of the Covenant.
Unexpectedly, Kaufman decided to leaveRaiders of the Lost Arkto work on a film with Eastwood (The Outlaw Josey Wales). This betrayal eventually caused a delay inRaiders of the Lost Arkas Lucas wanted Kaufman to direct the film. However, after patiently waiting for a while, Lucas moved on toSteven Spielbergwho went on to direct four films for the franchise. As for Kaufman, things did not work in his favor as he ended up getting fired from Eastwood’s movie. Tough luck!
So, in a way, Eastwood played quite an important role in Spielberg directing a franchise that has made $1.9 billion at the box office. Unfortunately, the filmmaker won’t be reprising his role inDial of Destiny.But there is nothing to worry about as Spielberg seems to be a fan of the film!
Also Read:$322M Steven Spielberg Movie That Won 7 Oscars Would’ve Aged Disastrously Had it Gone With Original Choice Mel Gibson
Steven Spielberg is Impressed byDial of Destiny
If you are a fan of the franchise and are worried about how it’ll do without its OG director then let us stop you right there. Spielberg had the opportunity to attend a screening ofIndiana Jones and the Dial of Destinyand he was more than impressed.
At the Time 100 Summit, Spielberg stated,
“Bob Iger had a screening for a lot of the Disney executives, and I came to the screening along with the director, James Mangold. Everybody loved the movie. It’s really, really a good Indiana Jones film. I’m really proud of what Jim has done with it. When the lights came up I just turned to the group and said, ‘Damn! I thought I was the only one who knew how to make one of these.’”
It looks likeJames Mangoldhad managed to knock Spielberg’s socks off with this one and in just a few days, you will be able to judge the film yourself!
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destinyreleases in theatres on August 05, 2025.
Source:The Making of Raiders of the Lost Ark
Mishkaat Khan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2257
A connoisseur of all things horror, fantasy, and the occasional chick flick, Mishkaat has been penning pieces for FandomWire since 2022. She started off as an intern and has worked her way up to a Senior Writer with over 2000 articles to her name.Outside of entertainment, she has also written well-researched medical content as a freelance writer and has experience in social media management.When not writing, you can find her relaxing with a romance novel and a tall glass of iced coffee in her hand or watching re-runs of ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Office.’
