Should Indiana Jones 5 Be the Final Chapter of the Franchise?

Honestly, yeah. The main reason? Ford’s just too old now, and it doesn’t seem like he’s ready to pass the torch to a younger generation of Indiana Jones. I thought Shia LaBeouf was supposed to take over—or at least that’s what it looked like—but then they wrote him off by saying he died in Vietnam, so that kind of killed that idea. I guess it could still happen if the producers really wanted it, but it doesn’t seem likely.

As a fan, I really think Indiana Jones 5 should’ve been the last one. It’s pretty obvious where things are going—Indy’s getting older, and his old sidekicks aren’t around anymore or just don’t have the same energy. They brought in a new actress, but honestly, she doesn’t really keep up with Jones the way the others did. Maybe I’m just used to seeing him with Shia from the last film.

We actually saw Jones starting to age in The Crystal Skull—he wasn’t as agile as he used to be. That’s also when they introduced his son to the audience, so naturally, it seemed like Shia was going to take over the role. Even though a lot of people didn’t like that idea, it still felt like the torch was being passed. We’d already seen Shia as Jones’ son, and over time, most of us would’ve accepted it. But Indiana Jones 5 threw all of that out the window, which I honestly regret. I miss the dynamic between Ford and Shia—they worked well together.

If it were up to me, Indiana Jones 5 would’ve been his final film. He was already looking pretty old in that one, and it didn’t feel like he could really keep doing action scenes anymore. Helena Shaw was interesting and a fun character, but she just doesn’t have that "new Indiana Jones" energy. Shia LaBeouf was actually a solid pick for the next generation, but it seems like Ford didn’t want to hand over the reins to him. Feels like Ford wanted Indy to die with him and not be passed down.

I’m not sure what the producers are planning. Maybe they’ll reboot Indy with a new actor, or who knows—maybe Shia's character somehow survives Vietnam and makes a comeback as the next Indiana Jones. Whatever happens, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Honestly, I can totally imagine Shia’s version of Indiana Jones. In Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, he’s basically shown as a younger version of adult Indy—unruly and reckless, but also smart. He could’ve easily been set up as Indy’s successor, and I think people would've been into it. Shia LaBeouf could’ve leaned into the goofy, funny side like Harrison Ford did, and since he was introduced as Indy’s son, it all kinda makes sense—the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Indiana Jones 5 probably would've been more interesting if Shia had stayed on and Ford had passed the baton to him. They could’ve shown him as someone ready to carry on the legacy—he’s still young, after all. Imagine Shia playing a lecturer or explorer who returns to help Indy out. That could’ve worked.

But yeah, that didn’t happen. Instead, his role was replaced by a woman who, sure, is attractive—but her character isn’t very deep, so it’s just not that engaging. Plus, the chemistry between her and Ford is kinda flat, which doesn’t help.

I'm not saying Phoebe Waller-Bridge's acting in the new Indiana Jones is bad, but she just doesn't feel like she fits in. If her character had been written differently, maybe it would’ve worked—but as a sidekick? I don't know. She doesn't come off as cool like the other iconic women who’ve been alongside Indy. Her role is supposed to be a comrade, but it feels off. She's also a bit too young, which makes it even more jarring. Some people might not agree with me, but since the movie flopped, I think a lot of folks get where I'm coming from.

If I were the producer, I would’ve ended Indiana Jones with the fifth movie. Honestly, that seems like what Ford wants too. He's too old now and just doesn’t have the same energy on screen. Plus, he’s made it clear he doesn’t want anyone else taking over the role. So in a way, you could say Indy dies with him—unless he changes his mind and decides to hand it off. But as things stand, it looks like we’re not getting another Indiana Jones. The character kind of “died” when Ford said no one else could play him.