One of the many writers who have participated in the franchise has now addressed the possibility of continuing the journey of the archaeology professor and adventurer following recent rumors that a reboot is in the works. Screenwriter is no stranger to the world of blockbuster IPs, and his latest movie, Jurassic World Rebirth, has shown signs of reviving the dinosaur franchise. Could the intrepid adventurer now get the same treatment?

Koepp is currently enjoying the recent release of Jurassic World Rebirth, his official return to the universe created by Steven Spielberg. The film solidly revives the spirit of the first two Jurassic Park movies, which isn't a coincidence considering Koepp wrote 1993's Jurassic Park and 1997's The Lost World: Jurassic Park. However, these are not the only Spielberg movies he has worked on. Koepp also wrote 2005's War of the Worlds and 2008's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

The writer sat down to chat with The Hollywood Reporter while promoting Rebirth. Koepp offered his opinion on other movies, like the still untitled Spielberg UFO project, and Mission: Impossible (he was a co-writer on the 1996 Brian De Palma movie). However, when asked about Indiana Jones, Koepp is not optimistic, but he does offer an alternative way to continue the franchise. Though it's an idea that's likely to be divisive among fans:

"Well, I don't see it continuing. Everybody made it pretty clear. Harrison was like, 'Yeah, I'm done.' So it would need to be somebody's brand new idea about how to come at that.

I'd watch it as a streaming show. Streaming is perfectly suited to a serial adventure, which is what Indiana Jones was. He could have a season-long goal, and you don't have to wrap up the story every week like with The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. But I think their plan is to just let it be for a while."

As revealed recently, Lucasfilm had been developing a TV series before the release of the last film in the series, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The 2023 film directed by James Mangold made millions at the box office, but it was also expensive. Although it made $384 million, it was considered a flop that buried Disney's further plans. However, according to a recent report from the industry insider team of The DisInsider, Lucasfilm is doing exactly what Koepp is saying: letting things settle. Their report also suggests that an announcement may come next year at the D23 Expo. Keep in mind that this is only a rumor.

As exciting as it was to see Indy wearing the hat and using the whip in the last Indiana Jones film, it was also confirmation that the franchise needs to move on. Harrison Ford's age is a significant factor, just as it has been for other long-running action franchises (Tom Cruise has decided to end Mission: Impossible, and age is probably one of the reasons). Yes, Ford is still appealing and nostalgia plays a huge role in the success of these movies. But is it worth the money, or the risk of releasing such a major and expensive production?

The answer to a future Indiana Jones success may lie in Koepp's idea of a streaming show. Of course, Indy would have to be recast. And while we're on that note, who do you think could play the fearless adventurer? And do you even want to see Indy head to streaming on the small-screen and potentially be watered down like so many other major franchises?

Source: The Hollywood Reporter / The DisInsider