Ford Talks Flying and Indiana Jones 4
February 25th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

The New Zealand Herald spoke to Harrison Ford about various topics, including of course Indiana Jones 4 where some of the information was old news, but Ford did talk about the issue of Indy's flying abilities, which is a first in a long time. Here's an excerpt from the interview:

From what can be gleaned, the fourth Indiana Jones has already been through a couple of writers while producer George Lucas finished his second Star Wars trilogy and director Steven Spielberg got on with other movies. It will be set in the 1950s and have a supernatural element.

Ford isn't exactly expansive on other details about the film, due for release next year - "We have a script that we have a degree of agreement on ... it's a great script and it can only get better."

Neither will Ford expand much on his feelings about reviving a character that some might think better consigned to a movie museum. After all, the Smithsonian Institution holds Indy's famous hat and jacket. Will they have to ask for them back?

"There is more than one, I hate to tell the Smithsonian."

Might the good Dr Jones have acquired better flying skills than he displayed in previous instalments?

"Flying perhaps, landing probably not. I don't know what is going to happen in the next one, we haven't quite sorted it out. I'm just one of the responsible parties. There's a clearly defined process here after having done this three times. It's a process I look forward to."

So there you have it, Indiana Jones can fly but he still can't land. When will he ever learn? Good to see Ford is in high spirits about Indiana Jones 4. Things are starting to look very, VERY good for the long-awaited Indy 4. I don't know about you, but I'm getting rather excited, this is indeed as good as it's looked. Keep it here for the latest as we follow the production from start to finish!

Thanks to Eddie for the news!

 

Ford Says Godspeed is Canceled, Indy 4 Next?
February 22nd, 2006| Posted by Aaron

Moviehole.net spoke with Harrison Ford about his upcoming projects, and it turns out that Godspeed, the space drama Ford was set to do with James Cameron, has been shelved, leaving things seemingly wide open for Indiana Jones 4. Here's what Ford had to say:

"Godspeed is gone, that was a space project with James Cameron.” Said Ford in the interview.

Moviehole then asked if Manhunt would be his next:

“That [Manhunt] would seem to be next. [There’s] a bunch of other things that have come to fruition... recently", Ford added.

I'm sure Ford gets a kick out of teasing us unmercifully, but this is quite the turn of events. For a while now, Godspeed seemed to be metaphorical elephant in the middle of the room; one that may or may not have been an issue. Now that Ford has backed out of the project it certainly looks as though Indiana Jones 4 could indeed be in the near future. The question now remains, which will Ford do first? Manhunt or Indiana Jones 4? Either way, things are looking very, very promising for the fourth Indiana Jones. Keep it here for the latest!

Thanks to Ken for the news!

 

Spielberg and Ford Talk Indiana Jones 4!
February 20th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford have been making the media rounds lately, and we have two new quotes from the two of them. First up is a quote from Ford that was published in The Sydney Morning Herald:

"I'm sort of living hand-to-mouth right now, there's three or four things in development to do in the next five or six years, very much including Indiana Jones. I anticipate it's going to be sooner than later - we have a script there's a degree of agreement on, we're still in the process, but hoping it will be pretty soon. We're working on it, we'll get there, it's a great script and it can only get better. It's a movie that's fun to make, I like working with Steven [Spielberg], and there's a degree of anticipation among the audience for it.''

The second and most important quote is from Steven Spielberg, which came from an interview with Ynetnews that Spielberg did:

"I haven't given up making entertaining films, but over the last decade I have been making some films that express the respect I have for history. I am about to make "Indiana Jones 4", which is, as far as I am concerned, the sweet dessert I give those who had to chow down on the bitter herbs that I've used in Munich."

So it looks as though Indiana Jones 4 is next on Spielberg's list! Optimism all around concerning the fourth Indiana Jones film, and that's always good news! Ford seems set on making Indy 4 and he acknowledges the fact that fans are waiting and wanting it. You can bet that everyone involved is looking forward to going back to those golden days of Indiana Jones, and hopefully it won't be too far from now. We're only one step away. But as Indy pointed out, that's usually when the ground falls out from underneath your feet. Let's pray for the best, and be sure to stay tuned to The Indy Experience.com for the latest!

Big thanks Dan and Eddie for the news!

 

Karen Allen at the Motor City Comic Con
February 20th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

Actress Karen Allen (Marion Ravenwood in Raiders of the Lost Ark) will be making a stop at the Motor City Comic Con on May 19th - 21st in Detroit Michigan. For more information, www.motorcityconventions.com for more details including directions and ticket prices.

Thanks to Jason for letting me know.

 

Is Spielberg Now at Work on the Indy 4 Script?
February 18th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly published an interview with Harrison Ford entitled "Tough Guy", where they spoke with Ford about Indiana Jones 4.

In the interview, EW asked ford if Indy 4 would happen, and Ford replied, "Oh, it'll come together, no doubt about it. We’re closer than we’ve ever been. There’s a script upon which there’s pretty general agreement. Steven [Spielberg]’s doing some work." By now you're thinking, "yeah, we've heard that a million times." And indeed, we have. But what makes this particular Harrison Ford quote special is that last sentence, which SpielbergFilms.com pointed out. Up until now, most of the script work was being handled by Jeff Nathanson and George Lucas (officially, that is). However, this bit about Spielberg doing some work on the script itself is a new development.

You may recall that earlier this month, word came out that Spielberg's film about Abraham Lincoln (tentatively titled, Team of Rivals) had been put on hold. This would seem to free up Steven for other projects, hopefully Indiana Jones 4. It's safe to say there's a link between Ford's comment and the Lincoln project being put on hiatus. As it seems now, the Indiana Jones 4 screenplay has passed from Jeff Nathanson, into the clutches of George Lucas, and is apparently now in the hands of Steven Spielberg who is hopefully in the process of polishing off the latest draft.

As of now, it looks as though things are heating up for production to begin on Indiana Jones 4 this summer - assuming that nothing goes wrong that is. Let's hope that Ford's promise that Indy 4 will happen holds strong. Here's hoping for the best, so stay tuned for the latest! Oh, and be sure to check out the full interview with Harrison Ford in this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly.

Big thanks to SpielbergFilms.com for the news and the quotes!

 

Raiders: Adaptation Screening in Mississippi!
February 17th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation is coming to Mississippi in March for a rare screening that will feature a question and answer session with The Adaptation co-creators, Chris Strompolos and Eric Zala! The screening will be held at the Lafayette and Oxford Public Library at 401 Bramlett Blvd in Lafayette County, Mississippi at 6:00 PM on March 3rd, 2006. The event will begin at 5:00 PM with a meet and greet with Chris and Eric, and will be followed by a question and answer session after the screening.

This is a prime opportunity to see the fan film that made history, and meet the guys who made it as well! Check out the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council for more information.

Thanks to Chris and Eric for the news!

 

Steve Sansweet Talks Indiana Jones 4
February 15th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

MovieWeb spoke with the head of Lucasfilm fan relations, Steve Sansweet, in an exclusive interview where they talked a great deal about the Star Wars TV show. Steve also spoke briefly about Indiana Jones 4 as well:

Indiana Jones?

Steve Sansweet: We're all hoping. We have our fingers crossed. There's a script that's been done. We just need to get the buy-off of three very independent men: Harrison Ford, Steven Speilberg and George Lucas. And were all hoping that there is an agreement and that we can go ahead and film Indy 4 sometime this year, late this year.

Any details you can give up?

Steve Sansweet: George knows, Harrison knows and Steven knows, and they are keeping a very closed mouth about it. I don't know, that's for sure.

Figures. We won't know much about Indy 4's plot for some time now. Nevertheless, stay tuned to TIE.c for the latest! And be sure to check out the full interview with Sansweet at MovieWeb.

Thanks to Steven and Eddie for the news!

 

Brand-New Raiders Print to Screen This Month in CA
February 15th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

At Midnight on February 17th and 18th, Act 1 & 2 will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Raiders of the Lost Ark with a brand-new 35mm print in Berkeley, CA! Noon screenings of Raiders will be held on February 18th and 19th as well. This is a prime opportunity to see Raiders of the Lost Ark in all its glory with a magnificent new 35mm print. Visit Act1and2.com for more information.

Thanks to Eddie for letting me know.

 

Few More Indy 4 Tid-Bits from Harrison Ford
February 13th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

IESB.net posted a video interview with Harrison Ford where they talked mostly about his new film Firewall. Ford also talked about Indiana Jones 4 where he went through the regular routine, stating that "We're closer than we've ever been and I'm looking forward to it. I'm hoping it'll happen pretty soon."

Ford was then asked if he was involved with the writing process of Indy 4, to which he responded, "No, I don't write. I'm aware of what we're doing and I agree with it, I'm looking forward to it and getting going on it." Ford also stated that his next project would indeed be Manhunt, a film about the capture of John Wilkes Booth.

So it looks as though Manhunt is next for Ford and then presumably Indiana Jones 4 as it stands now. However, things are constantly changing in this continuing drama of the quest to bring Indiana Jones to the big screen once again. Stay tuned to TIE.c for the latest.

 

Even More Talk of Indy 4 from Harrison Ford
February 11th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

With his new film Firewall now in theatres, Harrison Ford has been making the promotional rounds in the media, talking about his newest thriller as well as his upcoming films, and with that comes more talk of Indiana Jones 4. TheForce.net posted a summary of an interview Harrison Ford did with Joel Siegel after a screening of Firewall at the AMC 25 in New York City:

Then Joel said "what's going on with Indiana Jones 4?", which the audience erupted with applause and hollering (big smile by Harrison). He said the script is done, in Steven's hands, and he's just waiting. No mention of his 2 years or forget it stance. They talked a little about Raiders, the full story of the famous scene where he shoots the swordsman.

Calendarlive.com of the Los Angeles Times posted another interview with Harrison Ford where he talked about how close we are to having a finished Indy 4 script, the time Indy 4 will be set in and his hopes that Sean Connery will be back again to reprise his role as Indiana Jones' father:

After he finishes "Manhunt," [Ford] hopes to return for the fourth time to play Indiana Jones for Spielberg. It's been 17 years since Ford starred in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

"We are closer than we have ever been [to a finished script]," he said. "There have been a lot of hands that have stirred the pot, but we are close. It will be pure fun. I like working with Steven." Ford says that the new adventure will be set in the mid-1950s "to acknowledge the period of time that has passed. It would be foolish to take the same period of time as before. I think we have a terrific context."

And will Sean Connery return as Indy's father?

"Hopefully," Ford said with a smile.

Ford also made an appearance on the Ellen Degeneres Shown where Ellen asked Ford if there was going to be another Indiana Jones film, where Ford simply replied "We're very close."

Well folks, pretty much more of the same, but that is to be expected since there hasn't been a lot of change in the past few weeks. Any positive talk of Indy 4 such as this is always good to hear. With that said, things will probably start heating up soon as we see Indiana Jones 4 go into production hopefully sometime this year. Stay tuned for the latest!

Thanks to Paul, Israel and Patrick for the news.

 

Official Site: Kenner's Adventure With Indiana Jones
February 11th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

Indiana Jones.com has another excellent article up, this time focusing on the short-lived series of Indiana Jones toys Kenner ran back in the early 1980's. It gives some excellent backstory information as to what went into the Raiders of the Lost Ark toys with quotes from Howard Roffman, President of Lucas Licensing. Here's a quick excerpt:

[Howard] Roffman suggests that should another Indy film be released, a new toy line would definitely be considered. "I'm not sure it would necessarily be 3.75" action figures, but something that's more in line with what we've done with [Star Wars] Unleashed -- a larger scale, more detailed action figure."

Roffman offers a glimmer of hope: "There's so much activity in the classic [properties] that we would be crazy not to tap into the legacy we have with Indiana Jones."

True, very true. Good to see that Lucasfilm isn't blind to the fact that a line of quality Indiana Jones toys would be a sure-fire hit. Here's hoping we see an all new series of Indiana Jones toys that we can all be proud of. Check out Indiana Jones.com for the full article - it's definitely worth a read.

 

More Information on Spielberg's Lincoln Bio-Pic...
February 7th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

More information has emerged on the recent report from Hollywood Elsewhere who spoke with Steven Spielberg's publicist, Marvin Levy. The website posted a quote from Marvin Levy about Spielberg's Abraham Lincoln bio-pic being delayed for the time being with no definite start date in the works. Well, it turns out that Hollywood Elsewhere was putting a negative spin on the story. The always-dependable SpielbergFilms.com spoke with Levy to try and get to the bottom of this matter. Levy told SpielbergFilms that the Lincoln bio-pic is "close to on hold." A far cry from delayed indefinitely. So as it stands right now, the Lincoln project is NOT dead, just delayed.

This is good news for those looking forward to Team of Rivals (the title of the book that Spielberg's film is based on), but what does this mean for those looking forward to Indiana Jones 4? Well, one could look at this and say that Spielberg is possibly clearing his schedule in order to prepare for Indy 4, but in all honesty, the most we can do is speculate. Nothing is for sure. SpielbergFilms.com did point out that Spielberg's projects in the past have been rather unpredictable. And the 'Berg has pulled off some amazing feats as a filmmaker in his career, so expect the unexpected when it comes to Spielberg's directorial projects.

So the Lincoln bio-pic is certainly not dead, and of course, neither is Indy 4. Both project's are alive and well. And as always, Spielberg's unpredictability could surprise us again. Who knows what the future will bring? Hopefully Indy 4 will be in that future as the powers-that-be have all expressed hope to see the fourth Indiana Jones adventure begin filming this summer for a 2007. We can all hope and pray that it does happen, but only time will tell. Sorry if this all sounds confusing, but that's one of the many words that has come to define this long and curvy road to Indy 4: confusing. Stay tuned for the latest!

Big thanks to Steven and SpielbergFilms.com for the update!

 

Ford Talks Indiana Jones 4 With the AP
February 7th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

The AP ran an interview with Harrison For where he spoke about various projects including his upcoming film Manhunt and of course Indiana Jones 4:

Ford, producer George Lucas and director Steven Spielberg have kicked "Indy 4" ideas around for years as several screenwriters had a go at the script.

"We're now closer than we've ever been," Ford said in an interview with The Associated Press in a beach-front hotel room. "I think it'll happen pretty soon."

At an American Film Institute bash for Lucas last year, Ford joked that they had to hurry, or co-star Sean Connery would be too old to play Indy's dad. At 63, does Ford feel too old to play dashing adventurer Indy?

"No, no. Indiana Jones changes just like everybody else," Ford said. "I don't have any issues with that, and I still feel physically adequate to faking it just like I've been doing for 30 years. I'm looking forward to it. It's good fun."

At one time, the three had hoped to shoot the "Indiana Jones" sequel in 2004 for release last year. Now, Ford said, production could begin this year, with the movie arriving in 2007.

Lucas has laid to rest his sixth and final "Star Wars" movie, while Spielberg is fresh from his 2005 two-fer, "War of the Worlds" and "Munich."

"Part of it is finding a time when all three of us are available to commit to it," Ford said. "I think we've got that now."

Very much what we've been hearing all along, but that last comment by Ford is the key. If the Big Three can get their ducks in a row soon enough, Indy 4 will most likely be a sure thing. The AP article then finished off with this:

The new "Indiana Jones" film will stick to old-fashioned, Saturday-matinee fisticuffs, Ford said.

Spielberg and Lucas have kept the story a secret, saying only that "Indy 4" would take place after World War II. Can Ford add any details?

"It's set after World War II," Ford wisecracked, with his characteristic stone face.

And will Connery be back as Indiana's professorial pop?

Without a pause, Ford reiterated, "Sometime after World War II."

Again, very much what we've been hearing all along. I especially like the idea of Indy 4 sticking to its roots by doing it the old fashioned way. Best not to mess with success. Check out The State.com to read the full interview.

Thanks to Eddie for the news.

 

New Information Surfaces on Disney's Original Indy Attraction
February 6th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

JimHillMedia.com has posted a new article about Disney's original idea for an Indiana Jones attraction at Disneyland. It turns out that Disney's Imagineers had a much more elaborate Indiana Jones attraction planned for Disneyland's Adventureland back in the 1980s. The attraction was to be called Indiana Jones and the Lost Expedition, and it gave visitors the choice of several different adventures.

The first was a Jeep Expedition, which was going to take guests deep inside the new river temple on the Jungle Cruise. The second adventure that visitors could embark on was an ore car adventure, which took guests on a perilous mine cart ride on the edge of a massive volcano. The other adventure that this planned attraction was going to offer was a newly designed Jungle Cruise, which would have taken the boat tourists into a new water temple where they would have seen all sorts of booby traps and a sacrificial shrine. Guests on the steam train would have also gotten a taste of the excitement as the Lost Expedition attraction would have been built to incorporate the train ride as well.

As you can see, the concept art above alone is enough to sell most any Disney or Indiana Jones fan. Sadly, it wasn't enough for executives at Disney as the attraction was, at the time, in competition with Space Mountain and Disney opted to go with the new Tomorrowland ride instead. Of course, 10 years later Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure opened, and as fun as it is, it's still not the Lost Expedition. However, the article on JimHillMedia.com did mention that Principal Creative Advisor, John Lasseter is supposedly reviewing old attraction ideas. For what purpose is unknown, but who knows? Maybe the suits Disney will come to their senses and resurrect this incredible attraction and make it a reality once and for all!

And I have to say, JimHillMedia.com did a splendid job in researching this lost attraction. I highly recommend you check out the full article to learn more.

 

More Indy 4 Talk From Harrison Ford
February 6th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

Dark Horizons posted an interview with Harrison Ford where they discussed his new film Firewall as well as Indiana Jones 4 (once again). Here's what Ford had to say about the fourth film:

Question: How many times during this junket have you been asked about Indiana Jones 4?

Ford: 30 [laughter].

Question: Are we going to see it in Indiana Jones 4?

Ford: I have that expectation. We have pretty much settled on a story and doing some script work and hopefully it will happen soon.

Question: How different is it going to be doing one 17 years later?

Ford: Well it will be somewhat different because we are...no that is not true it is going to be exactly the same [laughter].

Question: Apart from any Indiana Jones 4 is there anything else that you're looking at?

Ford: I am going to do a film called Manhunt, which is the capture of John Wilkes Booth the assassin of Abraham Lincoln. I have 3 or 4 things in development, which are beginning to look really good. So I don't know what I will do after Manhunt or the Indiana Jones film.

Nothing new, just more of the same. Everyone involved is saying the same thing: story is settled on, it's just a matter of getting the script set in stone. Hopefully they can pull it off soon enough so we will finally see Indiana Jones 4 hit the big screen. Visit Dark Horizons to check out the full interview.

 

Famed Temple of Doom Stuntman Dies At 63
February 5th, 2006| Posted by Aaron

Roy Alon, the world's busiest stuntman, has passed away at the age of 63 in his apartment in Leeds, England after suffering from a heart attack. Roy Alon's work includes such films as A Bridge Too Far, all James Bond films from The Spy Who Loved Me on up, Troy, The Da Vinci Code and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Alon made the Guinness Book of Records as the world's most prolific stuntman.

Alon was once quoted saying, "Something can come out of left-field and catch you out but there has never been a stunt I wouldn't do - nothing is impossible." Alon left behind a wife, a son and a daughter. Tragic news indeed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Alon's family.

Thanks to Eddie and The Daily Record for the information.

 

Ford Talks Possible Indy 4 Role for Madsen
February 2nd, 2006| Posted by Aaron

Turns out that actress Virginia Madsen impressed Harrison Ford in his new film Firewall (where Madsen plays Ford's wife) so much that he is now talking about a possible role for her in the next Indiana Jones film. Contact Music posted quotes from Harrison Ford where he talked about Virginia's work in Firewall where Ford said he'd like to see her in Indiana Jones 4:

"She was an absolute delight - professional, very talented and simply, very sweet. She also took what could have been a fairly one-dimensional damsel in distress role and added so many layers to it - there isn't many who could do that. I'd work with her again in a heartbeat. I'm actually hoping she'll come over for Indiana Jones. We've talked about it."

Is this a sign of things to come? Could Madsen be the next Indy girl? Well, nothing is official of course since it's just talk for right now, but it is interesting nonetheless. You can check out Ford and Madsen on the big screen in Firewall, which opens February 10th.

Big thanks to Eddie for the news.

 

Ford Says Indy 4 Is On the Front Burner
February 1st, 2006| Posted by Aaron

Harrison Ford made an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night on NBC where Ford talked about his latest film, Firewall. Leno asked Ford if Indiana Jones 4 was going to happen and after a small hesitation, Ford said yes. He also stated that Indy 4 is on the front burner, so this is indeed good news. Any positive good news about Indiana Jones 4 is good news. We'll keep you updated with more good news as it comes in. Stay tuned.

Big thanks to Todd for the news.