James Mangold Talks “Dial of Destiny” and Shia LeBeouf
While “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is being promoted as Harrison Ford’s swan song, there was a time when it looked like Lucasfilm looked like it was planning to hand the franchise over to Shia LeBeouf.
In 2008’s “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” introduced LeBeouf’s Mutt Williams, a young motorcycle-riding greater and Indiana Jones’ son.
Photo: Lucasfilm
At the time, it seemed like LeBeouf could be the future of the franchise.
Fast forward fifteen years, and Indiana Jones is returning for one last adventure. “Kingdom of Crystal Skull” failed to connect with both fans and critics, and is largely ignored by franchise die-hards.
Photo: Disney
As such, “Dial of Destiny” has done away with the idea of LeBeouf replacing Ford as the franchise’s star. Not only is the actor not in the film, but the generational conflict that defined the relationship between Indiana Jones and his song, has been usurped by Jones’ relationship with his goddaughter Helena Shaw.
Is Shia LeBeouf In Dial of Destiny
On the “Dial of Destiny” red carpet, director James Mangold explained that he wanted his film to focus on Indy’s relationship with Phoebe Waller-Bridges character first and foremost.
“I think the point I had was that when I came on, I wanted to capture that wonderful energy between Indy and an intrepid female character,” he said.
As such, there was little consideration to also including LeBeouf, and quite frankly not enough time.
The 76th Cannes Film Festival – Screening of the film “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” Photo: REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
“So that was my first goal, and there’s only so many people you can edge into a picture,” he added.
LaBeouf Says He “Dropped the Ball”
Reflecting on his performance in “Crystal Skull”, LaBeouf took responsibility for the poor reception of both the film and his character. The actor stated that “dropped the ball on the legacy that people loved and cherished” with his performance as Mutt.
Photo: Lucasfilms
“You can blame it on the writer and you can blame it on Steven. But the actor’s job is to make it come alive and make it work, and I couldn’t do it. So that’s my fault. Simple,” LaBeouf said.
Photo: National Catholic Register
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will hit theaters on June 30.
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