Although the Indiana Jones series is not known for making viewers cry, the upcoming Indiana Jones 5 is set to make the audience emotional-and that's a good thing. This is perfect and necessary for the much-awaited fifth Indiana Jones film. Though Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the third installment of the series, did feature strong emotional beats, James Mangold's directorial style can bring some needed emotional elements and heart to what most likely will be the last film of the Indiana Jones franchise.
Unlike the rest of the films of the series, Indiana Jones 5 will not be directed by Steven Spielberg. Instead, James Mangold has stepped in to direct the movie, while for the first time neither Spielberg nor George Lucas, the original creator of the series, have been involved in the production of the film. A fifth Indiana Jones film has been discussed in the past, with both Spielberg's and Lucas' names attached to it. In 2008, Lucas had started working on a possible idea for the film, which would have looked very different to the product audiences will see in theaters in 2023, when the much anticipated Indiana Jones 5 comes out.
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However, Indiana Jones 5 will maintain the feel of the first Indiana Jones films, with Harrison Ford still starring in it as the titular character and going back to the epic dimension of the earlier movies. With Indiana Jones 5 remaining untitled, not much is known regarding the plot of the film yet. However, Mangold's filmography can be an indicator of what viewers can expect from Indiana Jones 5. Mangold is known for emotional films, including Logan (2017), and his latest film, Ford vs Ferrari (2019). Similarly to Logan, which earned Mangold his first Academy Awards nomination, Indiana Jones 5 will likely be very poignant at times.
The new emotional dimension is not only welcomed but also necessary for Indiana Jones 5. As what is most likely going to be the last film of the franchise, Indiana Jones 5 needs to give a proper and satisfying ending to the beloved series and its characters. Moreover, Indiana Jones 5 will possibly be Harrison Ford's last movie, even if the actor has not announced his decision to retire. If Indiana Jones 5 really is going to be the last time viewers will see Ford and his well-known character Indiana Jones, it will certainly be a bittersweet moment.
Therefore, Indiana Jones 5 will have to embrace the emotional resonance that comes both with its new director James Mangold and the possible end of the more than 40-year-long franchise. In doing so, Mangold may choose to wrap up the Indiana Jones story by bringing back beloved characters or featuring references to previous films. As such, Indiana Jones 5 will serve as a homage to the franchise, its titular character, and Ford himself.