At a Glance
- Kathleen Kennedy leaves Lucasfilm after decades.
- Two planned Indiana Jones projects-an animated series and a show about Abner Ravenwood-were shelved.
- 2023’s Dial of Destiny underperformed; 2024’s Indiana Jones & the Great Circle drew millions of players but sales data remain unclear.
- Why it matters: The franchise’s next direction hinges on these outcomes and Disney’s strategy.
The departure of Kathleen Kennedy from Lucasfilm last week marks the end of a long era for the studio. Her exit follows a series of stalled Indiana Jones initiatives and mixed reception of recent releases. The future of the franchise now rests on how Disney and Lucasfilm interpret these results.
What Was Planned
Lucasfilm had two major projects in the pipeline that never materialized:
- An animated series set between the original Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
- A live-action show focusing on Abner Ravenwood, Indy’s mentor and the father of his eventual wife, Marion.
Both concepts aimed to deepen the lore, but for reasons not yet disclosed, neither reached production.
Recent Releases and Reception
The last two major releases in the franchise have shown uneven performance:
- 2023‘s Dial of Destiny fell short of expectations, with critics citing a lack of the franchise’s signature adventure.
- 2024‘s Indiana Jones & the Great Circle attracted millions of players on Game Pass, though concrete sales figures are still vague.
The metrics from Game Pass are more telling for the studio than traditional box-office numbers, especially for a title that is not a theatrical release.
Franchise Comparison
Indiana Jones competes in a landscape dominated by Star Wars. While both franchises expanded into television, games, and theme parks, Star Wars maintained a stronger book presence that helped sustain interest over decades. In contrast, Indiana’s action-adventure style faded across mediums, with video games remaining the last significant outlet.
Key Video Game Influences
| Game | Influence on Indiana-style | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider | Pioneered similar adventure mechanics | Inspired later Indiana-style games |
| Uncharted | Drew comparisons to Lara Croft | Tom Holland’s film success may boost future projects |
Both Tomb Raider and Uncharted released new titles and remasters during the period Lucasfilm was trying to revive Indiana. Sophie Turner’s portrayal of Lara Croft in a new TV series and the Uncharted film starring Tom Holland further diversified the action-adventure genre.
Current Outlook
Kathleen Kennedy told Deadline that “I don’t think anybody’s interested right now, but I don’t think Indy will ever be done.” This statement reflects uncertainty about immediate demand but confidence that the character remains viable.
Crystal Dynamics is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to bring back Lara Croft, and the reception of that show and upcoming games could influence Lucasfilm’s decision to restart Indiana projects. The next critical question will be who will portray Indy and whether Disney has a clear plan for the franchise.
Takeaway
- Kennedy’s exit signals a potential shift in Lucasfilm’s priorities.
- Two ambitious Indiana projects were shelved, leaving the franchise’s future uncertain.
- Recent releases have mixed results, with Game Pass metrics providing insight into player engagement.
- The franchise’s longevity may depend on how Disney balances legacy with new storytelling avenues.
By monitoring upcoming game releases and Disney’s strategic announcements, fans can gauge whether Indiana Jones will return to the spotlight or fade into the background.
