Does Anybody Even Want Disney to Reboot Indiana Jones?
The whisper of a Disney-led Indiana Jones reboot stirs more groans than cheers, following Harrison Ford’s 2023 exit from the iconic role.
What You Need to Know…
Reboot Rumor: Disney and Lucasfilm are rumored to plan a “full reboot” of Indiana Jones after 2023’s Dial of Destiny.
Fan Resistance: Fans resist recasting, citing the film’s $384 million box office against a $295 million budget.
Company Push: Disney bets on nostalgia and theme park synergy to revive the franchise.
Declining Performance: Box office and critical scores have slumped, with a $134–143 million loss, questioning reboot worth.
Next Steps: No official confirmation, with D23 2026 as a possible reveal amid uncertainty.
The story unfolds with a rumor that has fans clutching their fedoras in dismay. The DisInsider, a Disney scoop site with a solid track record, suggests Lucasfilm is mulling a “full reboot” of Indiana Jones after Dial of Destiny’s 2023 release netted just $384 million globally against a $295 million budget. The speculated plan involves a brief hiatus, a recast, and a possible tease at D23 2026—though this remains unconfirmed—while a new Indiana Jones-themed area at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom signals investment.
Yet, insider Jeff Sneider douses the hype, telling ComicBook.com that a reboot is “many, many years away.” With Lucasfilm’s focus on Star Wars and Kathleen Kennedy’s rumored 2026 exit—a speculation not yet confirmed—the project might languish in limbo. The mixed signals highlight the speculative nature of these plans, leaving fans to wonder if Disney will push forward or let the idea fade.
Does anybody want a Disney reboot of Indiana Jones?
The reboot buzz stems from The DisInsider’s report that Lucasfilm aims to refresh Indiana Jones after Dial of Destiny’s underwhelming performance. The strategy includes a pause, a new cast, and a potential D23 2026 announcement—purely speculative at this stage—leveraging the IP’s nostalgic draw. The Tropical Americas expansion at Animal Kingdom, replacing DinoLand, underscores Disney’s commitment.
However, skepticism abounds. Sneider’s insight via ComicBook.com points to a distant timeline, with Star Wars priorities and leadership shifts adding uncertainty. The lack of official word reinforces that this remains a rumor, not a confirmed move.
Why are fans pushing back against the Indiana Jones reboot?
Fans are fiercely protective of Harrison Ford, who brought Indy to life across five films since 1981, and the 2023 Dial of Destiny’s 37% Rotten Tomatoes audience score stings. Social media echoes the cry: “Indiana Jones IS Harrison Ford. Recasting him is like recasting Tony Stark.” The attempt to pass the torch to Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Helena Shaw fell flat, with many labeling her “unlikeable” and the film a “soulless cash grab.”
Disney’s reboot history adds fuel to the fire. The Star Wars sequel trilogy and Willow series, both criticized on X, are cited as examples of Lucasfilm stumbling with beloved IPs. One user quipped, “They’ll reboot Indy, ignore what made him great, and wonder why it bombs,” reflecting widespread distrust.
Why is Disney pursuing an Indiana Jones reboot despite backlash?
Disney sees gold in Indiana Jones’ cultural juggernaut status, with merchandising potential from theme park rides to LEGO sets and the 2024-released Indiana Jones and the Great Circle video game. The Animal Kingdom expansion underscores this investment, aiming to keep the franchise alive amid competitor IP saturation from Marvel and DC.
Yet, the hurdles are steep. Dial of Destiny’s estimated $134–143 million loss, driven by its budget overrun and critical panning, pressures Disney to pivot. Recasting Ford, a gamble after Shia LaBeouf’s Mutt Williams misstep in 2008, demands a tone—gritty, witty, and practical effects-driven—that avoids the CGI-heavy flops of recent entries.
Has the Indiana Jones franchise’s declining box office and critical scores made it worth rebooting?
The franchise’s box office has slid dramatically, from $786 million for Last Crusade (1989, adjusted) to $384 million for Dial of Destiny (2023), with a $134–143 million loss highlighting the financial sting. Critical reception has followed suit, with Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) earning an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, while Dial plummeted to a 37% audience score, reflecting fatigue with the series’ direction.
This decline raises serious questions about reboot viability. With each film costing more and earning less, the financial risk grows, especially after such a significant loss. Fans and analysts wonder if the IP’s glory days are behind it, or if a fresh approach could reignite the spark—though skepticism dominates the conversation.
What could the future hold for the Indiana Jones reboot?
No official announcement confirms the reboot, leaving Lucasfilm’s silence to fuel the rumor mill. A possible D23 2026 reveal—purely speculative at this point—could clarify plans, but success hinges on nailing the tone and casting—names like Chris Pine or Ryan Reynolds have surfaced on X, though neither feels definitive. The challenge is steep given fan resistance.
Social media sentiment suggests fans might sway the outcome, with many ready to “hate-watch” if Disney proceeds. The project’s fate rests on balancing nostalgia with innovation, a tightrope walk with no guaranteed treasure at the end.
News compiled and edited by Ivy Adams for Pirates & Princesses. Catch the Pirates & Princesses Podcast on Spotify and other platforms. Subscribe for the latest on Disney, travel, entertainment, and more!
Sources:
WDW News Today: "RUMOR: Disney Indiana Jones Reboot," July 8, 2025
Joblo.com: "Rumor: Is Lucasfilm quietly planning an Indiana Jones reboot?," July 1, 2025
Wikipedia: "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," accessed July 2025
ComicBook.com: "Indiana Jones Reboot Rumors," June 15, 2025
Forbes: "Dial of Destiny Box Office Loss," August 15, 2023
Variety: "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Financials," August 15, 2023
Box Office Mojo: "Indiana Jones Franchise Box Office," accessed July 2025
Rotten Tomatoes: "Indiana Jones Critical Scores," accessed July 2025
Steam: "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Release," June 8, 2025
Gamerant.com: "Kathleen Kennedy Exit Rumors," February 25, 2025
cosmicbook.news: "Lucasfilm Leadership Speculation," July 2, 2025