Ford, Lucas, Spielberg ready to film the next 'Indiana Jones'

Liz Smith

By Peter Bart

Variety News Service

Originally published January 3, 2007

After years of languishing in development, the fourth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise is finally moving ahead, as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Harrison Ford look to reconnect with their blockbuster roots.

For Spielberg in particular, the project marks a return to the kind of pure entertainment fare on which he built his career before his interests turned to more social-minded fare like Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan and Munich.

The trio confirmed recently that Paramount is set to begin shooting the new Indiana Jones pic in June from a script by David Koepp (Spider-Man).

Par and Lucasfilm, which is producing, are eyeing a May 2008 worldwide release -- some 19 years after the last film in the action-adventure franchise, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, came out.

Fans have long clamored for another installment in the series, but some questioned whether Ford would be able to keep up with the vigorous physical requirements of the role after the long delay. "I'm delighted to be back in business with my old friends. I don't know if the pants still fit, but I know the hat will," said Ford, 64.

Ford had always said he would reprise his role as the adventuring archaeologist if he liked the script. Several scribes tried their hand at the project before Koepp was brought aboard in 2005.

"We feel that the script was well worth the wait. We hope it delivers everything you'd expect from our history with Indiana Jones," Spielberg said. "George, Harrison and I are all very excited."

The producer is Frank Marshall, while Kathleen Kennedy and Lucas are executive producers.

The film doesn't yet have an official title. Producers wouldn't disclose the story line other than to say there would be plenty of action. The movie will be shot in undisclosed points around the globe, as well as in the United States.

All told, the first three Indiana Jones films grossed more than $1.18 billion at the box office.

From 'Sassy' to 'Cyborg'

Kwak Jae-yong, director of the famed Korean hit comedy My Sassy Girl, has signed on with Japanese firm Amuse to direct a big-budget feature in Japan.

The $8.5 million Japanese-language production, with a title that translates as Cyborg Girl, is set to start shooting in the next two months, with an eye toward a release late this year. Although details about the plot have yet to be released, the film is being described as a sci-fi fantasy.

Aside from the helmer and executive producer Ji Young-jun, the cast and crew will be Japanese. Amuse will both finance and produce the film, scripted by Kwak.