Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


0

New 'Indy' Vexed Film Legends

Lucas spent 15 years persuading Spielberg and Ford of new idea

Share

(Newser) – It seems like a sure thing: Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, in on 13 of the 100 highest-grossing movies ever, revive the billion-dollar Indiana Jones franchise. But Lucas spent 15 years trying to convince Spielberg and Harrison Ford to do Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, due out May 22. Why the discord? It all came down to what Hollywood calls a MacGuffin, Vanity Fair reports.

That's film lingo for the thing that characters in a flick are after—like the lost ark. "The Ark of the Covenant was perfect," Lucas said. But after struggling to drum up new MacGuffins for two Indy sequels, "I was like, No more of these, baby. We’re done." Then one came to him, and a script by Spider-Man scribe David Koepp finally convinced Spielberg and Ford to sign on. Spoiler alert: Fans should think more 1950s sci-fi than 1930s action serial.

In this undated promotional photo provided by Paramount Pictures, actor Harrison Ford comes face-to-face with a cobra in a scene from the first of four Indiana Jones adventure films,
In this undated promotional photo provided by Paramount Pictures, actor Harrison Ford comes face-to-face with a cobra in a scene from the first of four Indiana Jones adventure films, "Raiders of the Lost...   (Associated Press)
Director Steven Spielberg arrives for the 79th Academy Awards in this Feb. 25, 2007, file photo in Los Angeles. Spielberg will be presented with the Cecil B. DeMille trophy at the 65th annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 13, according to an announcement by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Wednesday...
Director Steven Spielberg arrives for the 79th Academy Awards in this Feb. 25, 2007, file photo in Los Angeles. Spielberg will be presented with the Cecil B. DeMille trophy at the 65th annual Golden...   (Associated Press)
George Lucas arrives at AFI's 40th Anniversary Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
George Lucas arrives at AFI's 40th Anniversary Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)   (Associated Press)
Steven Spielberg, left, and George Lucas have seen their share of mega-grossing movies, and their fourth Indiana Jones collaboration is due in theaters May 22.
Steven Spielberg, left, and George Lucas have seen their share of mega-grossing movies, and their fourth Indiana Jones collaboration is due in theaters May 22.   (Getty Images)
Steven Spielberg, left, and Harrison Ford have a generation of collaborations behind them, and the fourth in their Indiana Jones series is set to hit theaters in May.
Steven Spielberg, left, and Harrison Ford have a generation of collaborations behind them, and the fourth in their Indiana Jones series is set to hit theaters in May.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull (new pics)   (Spirit3188 (YouTube))

View larger videos >>
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
OFF THE GRID
11.6.09
Galleon Scandal: Shocked, Shocked by Insider Trading
11.5.09
Rupert Murdoch Is Mad but Cute
0 comments
VIEWING:
 
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

132 Stories

 The Best Horror Movies 

'Shining' prevails, but Polanski classic is No. 2

Oct 28, 09 5:34 PM CDT
(Newser) - Stanley Kubrick's the Shining is the best horror film ever made, say the editors of TotalSciFi.com. The film's ''expansive sets, surreal visuals, and an intense performance from Jack Nicholson add up to a film guaranteed to give viewers a sleepless night." The top 10:
  1. The Shining (1980)
... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Hollywood • horror flims • movies

SADY DOYLE

'Strong Women' Do Like Movies—Good Movies

Female protagonist is a poor argument for stodgy Amelia

Oct 26, 09 1:56 PM CDT
(Newser) - This weekend's battle at the multiplex, where sci-fi trounced Amelia Earhart, has carried over into the world of virtual opinion. Washington Post critic Ann Hornaday fired the first shot, and Sady Doyle fires back, explaining that she senses a “note of condescension.” See Amelia, Hornaday implores.... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Iraq • Hollywood • film • women • inspiration • Amelia Earhart • movies • escapist • Hilary Swank • protagonist

box office roundup

 Paranormal Activity 
 Slays Saw VI 

Sleeper hit pulls in $22M to sequel's $14.8M

Oct 25, 09 1:31 PM CDT
(Newser) - The sleeper hit with the five-figure production budget and red-hot word of mouth triumphed in the weekend box office race as Paranormal Activity handily topped the latest installment in the Saw series. The weekend's $22 million haul in 2,000 theaters brings the 5-week total for Paranormal Activity to $62.... More »

MORE ABOUT:
entertainment • Hollywood • film • box office • movies • Where the Wild Things Are • Couples Retreat • Paranormal Activity • Law Abiding Citizen • Saw VI

interview

 Love Me for 
 My Soul: 
 Megan Fox 

Starlet: 'I can't compromise my integrity'

Oct 23, 09 6:25 PM CDT
(Newser) - Megan Fox says she's just misunderstood. "Sometimes I say things that I think are obviously sarcastic and people take them quite literally," opines the starlet/philosopher, flogging US box office bomb Jennifer's Body north of the border. "This is a bullshit industry and I made a decision not... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Hollywood • film • movies • Megan Fox • actress • Jennifer's Body

box office roundup


 Wild Things 
 Runs Rampant 

Law Abiding Citizen also enjoys strong opening weekend

Oct 18, 09 1:48 PM CDT
(Newser) - Where the Wild Things Are ran wild at the weekend box office, exceeding expectations by doing $32.5 million worth of business. Spike Jonze's first foray into children's cinema earned the director his strongest opening weekend ever. "I can't imagine too many people who could do what Spike did,... More »

MORE ABOUT:
entertainment • Hollywood • film • box office • children's books • Warner Brothers • movies • James Gandolfini • Spike Jonze • Warner Bros • Maurice Sendak • Where the Wild Things Are • Couples Retreat • Paranormal Activity • The Stepfather • Law Abiding Citizen

132 Stories


Loose-tongued 'Indy' extra spills beans
New York Post

In LaBeouf, Spielberg annoints a star
Wall Street Journal


Arts & Living 
TwitterFollow @NewserArts on Twitter

 
Hollywood • Shia LaBeouf • Indiana Jones • Steven Spielberg • George Lucas • Harrison Ford • Crystal Skull • movies

from our news partners