As Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny promises to be the last adventure for the aging archeologist, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles already made the movie unnecessary. Making history as one of cinema's most beloved protagonists, it was only a matter of time before the Indiana Jones series would return by hook, crook or the pure nostalgia it evokes. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny raises the question of how meaningful a "happily-ever-after" can be if the ending undergoes constant rewriting and the story is never allowed to conclude as originally intended.
Starring Star Wars headliner Harrison Ford, the original Indiana Jones trilogy spanned from 1981 to 1989, chronicling the adventures of a globe-hopping archaeologist. The series initially concluded with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade before launching two soft reboots meant to pass on the title character’s mantle: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008 and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny in 2023. With questionable reviews for the past two films and the future of the Indiana Jones franchise uncertain, audiences wonder if the titular character is finally ready to hang up his hat.
Indiana Jones Already Had the Perfect Epilogue
While Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade originally served as a finale, in 1992, a television show entitled The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles aired. The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles simultaneously served as a prologue, epilogue and edutainment series about history. The adventurer's TV serials continued the legacy of Indiana Jones; while concluding his story on a high note, calling into question why Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was necessary in the first place.
Initially framed around the 93-year-old explorer (played by George Hall) recalling his earlier adventures, the Indiana Jones TV series was created to be an educational tool used in classrooms alongside a series of complementary documentaries. Even at nearly a century old, Indiana Jones was a sharp, nurturing, one-eyed great-grandfather with insight into world history and a passion for teaching it to anyone who'd listen. Additionally, it addressed many criticisms surrounding the series by showing an older Indy (played by Harrison Ford in a rare occurrence) actively allied with Indigenous tribes and risking his life to save their cultural artifacts. Acting more as an epilogue than a true sequel, it had a noble purpose and a happily-ever-after without feeling unwelcome among the original trilogy.
What Happened to "Old Indy?"
After attempting to revive the series and rebrand it as The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, the "Old Indy" segments, except for the appearance of Harrison Ford in the role, were cut and retconned out of existence. Despite its part in promoting future sequels and providing inspiration for their plots, The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones fell short in restoring or including the "Old Indy" segments. While seemingly done on Disney+ specifically to coincide with the new ending retconned by Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, it ultimately neglected some of the archeologist's best moments while also establishing what critics consider a new divisive finale.
When making a sequel, the primary consideration should be whether its story is worth telling. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny tried once again to pass on the mantle of its main character and give him a final bow. However, considering the divisive reception of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and the satisfying conclusion provided by The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, the question remains whether the 2023 sequel is truly necessary or worthwhile. The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles conveyed that the Indiana Jones mantle is not meant to be inherited by one person but rather exists as a spirit shared among enthusiastic history students. The Indiana Jones series never needed a successor, just audiences to carry on its legacy, embracing adventure, learning and imagination.
Watch out for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny as it swings into theaters June 30, 2023.