‘Indiana Jones’ TV Show In The Works For Disney+

It looks like Indiana Jones could be making a return to the small screen. Variety reports that Walt Disney Studios is developing an “Indiana Jones” television project for Disney+

‘Indiana Jones’ TV Project In Development For Disney+

The news comes ahead of the release of Harrison Ford’s final big-screen outing as the iconic hero, due out later next year. According to the report, Disney and Lucasfilm are looking to develop a show for the streaming service set in the world of the films, with meetings recently taking place with writers.

Variety notes that Disney is still searching for a writer to oversee the project, and no plot details are available as of yet. It’s unknown if the show would serve as a prequel to the films or as some type of spinoff, potentially tying into the upcoming fifth film.

Disney has not been shy about creating new content for its iconic franchises for its streaming service. Disney+ has seen new TV shows and specials based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars.” This year has also seen direct-to-streaming sequels for past Disney hits, including “Hocus Pocus” and “Enchanted.”

Variety also reports that Disney is currently exploring options to continue the franchise after the fifth film, including a series, new films, other media, or a combination of all of the above.

This would not be the first time a television spinoff was made based on the franchise. “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” debuted on ABC in 1992. George Lucas created the series, which lasted for two seasons and 28 episodes, along with four TV films that later aired on The Family Channel (now Disney’s Freeform).

The show followed Indiana Jones, born Henry Jones Jr., in his youth, depicting his backstory before the events of the theatrical films. Corey Carrier portrayed Indy in his days from ages 8-10. Meanwhile, Sean Patrick Flanery portrayed Indy in his teen and young adult years.

The series depicted Indiana Jones interacting with many famous historical figures, along with fighting in the first World War. Ford reprised his role for one episode of the show in the second season, with George Hall portraying an elderly Indy in bookend sequences for the series.

Indy Returns To The Big Screen Next Year

As reported by The Blast, the still-untitled fifth “Indiana Jones” movie will be the final appearance by Ford as the iconic, whip-toting, fedora-wearing archaeologist. During a live presentation for the film in September at Disney’s D23 Expo, Ford stated at the event, “This is it. I will not fall down for you again!”

Considering this project still appears to be in the early stages, it could still be years away from happening, if at all, especially since a lead writer and showrunner is still not on board yet. Variety notes that reps for Lucasfilm declined to comment on the developing series.

The new “Indiana Jones” movie is directed by James Mangold (“Logan”) from a script by Mangold, Jez Butterworth, and John-Henry Butterworth. Filmmaker director Steven Spielberg, who directed the last four theatrical installments of the franchise, is producing the sequel. It finally hits theaters on June 30, 2023.