Harrison Ford is so linked to the Indiana Jones character that even Steven Spielberg can’t conceive of another actor playing the famous archaeologist.
In an interview with Screen International, Spielberg said that he doesn’t think any other actor could play the role. That shoots down the rumor that Disney would have Chris Pratt playing Indy.
“I don’t think anyone could replace Harrison as Indy, I don’t think that’s ever going to happen,” Spielberg said. “It’s certainly not my intention to ever have another actor step into his shoes in the way there have been many actors that have played Spider-Man or Batman. There is only going to be one actor playing Indiana Jones and that’s Harrison Ford.”
Even though Ford is now 73, Spielberg is sure that he can make a follow-up to the disastrous 2008 film Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. He says there are more stories to tell, “So as long as there’s more adventures out there, I’ve got a bullwhip, a fedora, a leather jacket and a man on a horse who knows how to get the job done.”
Spielberg has made it clear that he still wants to make an Indiana Jones 5, although producer Frank Marshall said in June that there are no immediate plans for another film. Marshall also said in October that no one but Ford can play Indy.
As for Ford, who seems to be enjoying his return to Star Wars, he said last month that he would like to be Indy again.
“Oh, yeah. Yeah, I’d love to do another Indiana Jones,” Ford told Entertainment Weekly. “A character that has a history and a potential, kind of a rollicking good movie ride for the audience, Steven Spielberg as a director — what’s not to like?”