Do not expect a Shia Surprise.
Let’s talk about Shia LaBeouf.
From the late 2000’s to early 2010’s, Shia was indeed a Hollywood superstar appearing in a number of high-profile films like Transformers, Eagle Eye, and of course, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Since then, legal trouble, alcohol abuse, strange performance art, and other setbacks have kept Shia out of the Hollywood spotlight, and most likely, the latest Indy movie.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, David Koepp, screenwriter and Kettle Moraine High School alumni (WAT UP), offered some key details on the upcoming fifth Indiana Jones movie, which he is writing.
Specifically, Koepp made it clear that Mutt Williams, aka Henry Jones III, aka Shia LaBeouf, will not be in the film.
“Harrison plays Indiana Jones, that I can certainly say,” explained Koepp. “And the Shia LaBeouf character is not in the film.”
This shouldn’t be too big a surprise, considering LaBeouf’s behind-the-scenes shenanigans, but it’s kind of a bummer. LaBeouf was honestly a highlight of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, with scenes between him and Indy being pretty great. Plus, an unhinged Shia paired with an even older and crankier Harrison Ford sounds amazing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x653T60OqnE&t=6s
Nevertheless, Koepp went on to explain that the film is still moving forward, and the script is coming together.
“We’re plugging away at it. In terms of when we would start, I think that’s up to Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Ford,” says Koepp. “I know we’ve got a script we’re mostly happy with.”
Could a LaBeouf-less Indy sequel work? Will there be another nuked fridge?! We’ll just have to wait and find out.
Indiana Jones 5 hits theaters on July 20, 2020.
