Why We Can't Wait to See It:

View Poll

Gallery: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Permalink | Email this | Comments

I have a feeling the next several days will be full of posts regarding Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It's clearly apparent these couple of weeks belong to Indy, as we've already been told the first trailer for the film will hit on February 14, and, now, another new photo as well as a brand new featurette on Indy's hat and jacket have arrived online. First off, the film's official website has up yet another nostalgic behind-the-scenes video which goes through the process of finding Indy's iconic hat and jacket for the new film.

Roughly 30 hats and jackets (all the same) were created for the shoot -- a tremendous amount of work, it seems. I especially like the part of the video where Harrison Ford is interviewed, and he talks about the hat. According to Ford, there needs to be a reason (story-wise) for the hat to leave his head. If, for some reason, it accidentally falls off during a shot, Spielberg will cut and re-do the scene. Either the hat falling off moves the story along or it serves as the punchline for a joke, and if you go through each Indiana Jones film, you'll notice this is most certainly the case. So head on over here to check out the new video.

Additionally, The Raider has uncovered a new spoiler-ish photo from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. All I'll say is that it features both Cate Blanchett's character and Shia LaBeouf's character -- and the actual photo was apparently featured in an Italian magazine. Should you be interested in seeing it, we've provided it for you after the jump. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull arrives in theaters on May 22.

Beware of spoilers below ....

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Remember that Vanity Fair story from last week? The one with all the pics, and the quotes from Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Harrison Ford? Well the author of that story, Jim Windolf, is back now apologizing to his editors and the readers for not pressing Spielberg harder on the issue of whether he plans to continue the Indy franchise following this May's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Windolf isn't the first one to raise this question, as last year rumors began floating around with regards to the contracts Ford and co-star Shia LaBeouf signed for Indy 4. At the time, it was speculated that both Ford and LaBeouf agreed to appear in at least three more Indiana Jones films after Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Shortly after that rumor surfaced, Lucasfilm jumped to deny the whole thing, calling it "idle chatter."

But Windolf, in a follow-up story that's way longer than it needs to be, takes a nothing quote from Spielberg and spins it into something much larger. Whether Vanity Fair was saving this second article for another day (and more additional traffic) or if Windolf really did get hammered for not asking about sequels -- we do not know -- but we do know that nothing earth shattering is included here. In case you're interested, here's the key paragraph of Windolf's story:

"When I asked him why he hadn't gone forward with the "Indy IV" script written by writer-director Frank Darabont, he said, "In this case George [Lucas] was passionate that this was not the story he wanted to tell at this point in the Indiana Jones saga ..." Noting that he had used the magic phrase "at this point," I followed up by asking him, "Is that leaving room open for another one?" To which Spielberg replied, "Oh, I don't know. I haven't even thought about that. I'm still in the cutting room. I can't even think beyond the next cut."

Windolf goes on to talk about whether LaBeouf could successfully continue the franchise -- whether he's a big enough name right now -- and blah blah. Like I said, this has all been covered. And until we see the kid operate in that leather jacket and slicked back hair, there's no way we can really form an accurate opinion.

[Thanks Pat for the heads up]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The cover for the comic adaptation of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has been released online, courtesy of Dark Horse Comics. You can click on the image above or check after the jump for the full-sized version, which, I must warn you, might carry spoilers. I personally don't see what the spoilers could be, but it's always best to be safe and give a warning just in case. I've been spending the past 15 minutes trying to figure out what that thing is behind Indiana Jones. Is it a backpack? Some sort of rock structure? A creature? What do you think? Anyway, here's the non-spoilerish plot synopsis that came along with this cover art:

The most anticipated movie event of the summer comes to comics in this adaptation of the fourth Indiana Jones film! The intrepid Doctor Henry Jones Jr. is back in his biggest adventure yet! This time, the world-renowned archaeologist finds himself caught in a series of events that all point to a discovery unlike any other. But will his rivals in pursuit of this priceless treasure seize his quarry from right under his nose? Not if he, and a few unexpected companions, have anything to say about it! The thrill and the humor, the action and the romance, the hat and the whip--everything you love about Indy is here! This is a tale sure to please longtime fans as well as foster a whole generation of new ones!

The publication date is May 22, 2008, the comic runs 96 pages, and it will sell for $12.95.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Happy New Year everyone! Here's hoping you've survived whatever madness the holidays brought forth, and have welcomed 2008 into your home and your heart. I was telling a friend on New Years Eve that it already felt like 2008; how all I've been doing for the past several months is writing about films coming out in 2008, and so in a weird way I've been living in 2008 since -- I dunno -- last May. Anyway, obviously, the big news today came in the form of this Vanity Fair article on Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls. While I hate to kick off the new year on a negative note, I couldn't help but read some of George Lucas' comments and kind of get pissed off at the dude.

Ya know, God bless the guy for giving us Star Wars and the first three Indiana Jones films, but sometimes he just blurts out stupid stuff and comes off as such a d*ck. Take these quotes for example from the Vanity Fair article: "I know the critics are going to hate it [meaning the new Indy film]. They already hate it. So there's nothing we can do about that. They hate the idea that we're making another one. They've already made up their minds." Then, after pretending to know how all the critics feel about the film, he moves on to the fans: "The fans are all upset. They're always going to be upset. 'Why did he do it like this? And why didn't he do it like this?' They write their own movie, and then, if you don't do their movie, they get upset about it. So you just have to stand by for the bricks and the custard pies, because they're going to come flying your way."

First off, which critics already hate this movie? We've always supported it (though we've taken cracks at Harrison Ford and his age), and from what I can tell, all the other major movie sites support the film as well and cannot wait for it. The fans I'll cut him some slack for, seeing as we have received a bunch of comments from folks who don't think this film should've been made. But that being said, why does the guy have to be so negative? Why can't he have faith in his film -- why can't he be a little more convincing and -- I dunno -- give us a reason to support a fourth Indiana Jones film? Is it just me, or is Lucas unleashing his negative vibe a tad too early?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Vanity Fair has published a preview of their pretty massive Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls feature which, online, runs roughly five pages and includes photos from Annie Leibovitz and a video showing the behind the scenes of the photoshoot. As you can see above, we finally get our first look at Cate Blanchett as the villainous (but still extremely sexy) Agent Spalko. The Vanity Fair piece covers it all; from the first time we saw Indy on screen to this (final?) production to interviews with the cast.

When director Steven Spielberg is asked how far along he is in the editing process, he said, "I'm in my second cut, which means I've put the movie together and I've seen it," he says. "I usually do about five cuts as a director. The best news is that, when I saw the movie myself the first time, there was nothing I wanted to go back and shoot, nothing I wanted to reshoot, and nothing I wanted to add." George Lucas, on the other hand, talked a bit about how hard it was coming up with a good MacGuffin this time around: "I'm the one that has to come up with the story, and the MacGuffin, the supernatural object that everyone's going after ... The Ark of the Covenant was perfect. The Shankara Stones were way too esoteric. The Holy Grail was sort of feeble-but, at the same time, we put the father in there to cover for it. I mean, the whole reason it became a dad movie was because I was scared to hell that there wasn't enough power behind the Holy Grail to carry a movie."

We've included the rest of the photos after the jump, and be sure to head on over here to check out the full story.

P.S. In that second photo below of LaBeouf and Allen, check out the background. Look a little familiar?

[via Joblo]

Above: George Lucas, Harrison Ford, and Steven Spielberg on the set of the new film in Los Angeles. "Neither of them is ashamed of making audience films," Ford says of his partners. Photographs by Annie Leibovitz.

Above: Shia LaBeouf and Karen Allen on set in Downey, California. Allen returns as Marion Ravenwood, Indy's spunky girlfriend from the first film, while LaBeouf joins in-or so rumor has it-as Indy and Marion's love child.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

A brand new poster for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has arrived online (click on the image for a larger version), and for the first time we catch a glimpse of a poster that definitely brings us back to the look and feel of the first three films. There's Indy (Harrison Ford) in his classic outfit with fedora hat and whip in hand, standing in front of a burning skull that looks pretty damn evil. Underneath you get the film's title in classic Indy font, as well as the release date: May 22. A little older, wiser, this time around Indiana Jones is on the hunt for a mysterious crystal skull, which, when in ones possession, creates great powers. He'll be reuniting with his old Raiders flame, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), as well as getting to know his son, as played by Shia LaBeouf. Ray Winstone and Jim Broadbent will show up playing a fellow archaeologist and fellow professor, respectively, while Cate Blanchett is said to be playing an evil Russian. Additionally, John Hurt will be playing the long-lost (and thought-to-be-dead) Abner Ravenwood. So, does this poster pump you up ... or not so much?

[via IndianaJones.com]

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Three brand new images from the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull have arrived online, courtesy of AICN. There's no word on where they came from (hopefully it's not from that stolen batch), but the pics show us a nice image of Indiana Jones wearing his classic fedora hat and holding his trusty whip and gun. Another image shows Indy and son (played by Shia LaBeouf) in some sort of cave examining an object with a flashlight. Man, I am so iffy on LaBeouf -- I seriously hope he pulls this one off. Seeing him all crouched down in his greaser jacket next to the big-screen icon that is Indiana Jones sends mild shivers down my spine.

The plot of the film has been kept hidden from us for quite some time, though small nuggets of info have leaked out. We know that Karen Allen will reprise the role of Marion Ravenwood, and that LaBeouf is Indy's kid. Cate Blanchett reportedly plays a Russian bad girl, while Indy will be off in search of the elusive crystal skulls. Some folks claim the film will return to the warehouse seen at the end of Raiders -- the one that holds the Ark of the Covenant -- though we still don't know for sure. Either way, I must say old Harrison Ford looks pretty good for his age. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull arrives in theaters on May 22. Check out the other two images after the jump.

Updated to include new hi-res versions found on the IMDb message boards.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

On October 11, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls officially wrapped production, and a new video has popped up on the official Indiana Jones website celebrating the occasion. Earlier this year, the first video revealed a toast from director Steven Spielberg to his crew on the first day of shooting. There wasn't much to see, except for George Lucas in a "Han Shot First' t-shirt, but in this latest video they actually go back to each Indiana Jones film and show footage from the last day of shooting. On both the first and the third film, we see Spielberg call it a wrap, but on the second -- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom -- I'm not quite sure if it is the last shot, but we see video of them shooting the final bridge sequence.

So basically, we go through each film before settling in on the fourth. We see shots of the entire cast (we get a brief look at Cate Blanchett and John Hurt for the first time) in what appears to be interview mode, leading me to believe that future videos will incorporate interviews with the cast. Finally, we see Spielberg, with a glass of champagne, toasting his crew once again ... however, unfortunately, we do not get to see the final shot. Additionally, it appears the website is gearing up for a big marketing run leading up to its May 22, 2008 release -- adding top bars for stuff like galleries, news, adventures, games, merch, community and one for Marshall College. The majority of them only show a "coming soon" at this point, but I expect the website to be hella active in the coming months. Next up: Our first trailer?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

If you've never been on a movie set, they always hire a guy to stand around and snap endless amounts of still photos while the filming goes on. Those pics are then sorted through later, for publicity purposes. Well, it's now been confirmed that the still photographer on the Indy 4 set was totally robbed of 2,500 photos from the production and the thieves are still at large* with the loot. A publicist for Paramount confirmed to Jeff Wells of Hollywood-Elsewhere that the thievery took place, but contradicted an earlier rumor that there had been an actual break-in at the offices of Paramount Pictures. Apparently, the thieves took the photographer's hard-drive somewhere away from the set, and Paramount is claiming that they know the culprits have contacted online outlets trying to sell the photos. For their part, they've called in the FBI.

How hard could it possibly be to track down the thieves? I wasn't contacted by these guys, but anyone who was can and should give them up to the feds. I'm not going to name any names, but not long ago a certain outlet was specifically boasting of having seen "pictures" of Cate Blanchett in her Soviet villain garb, with black hair, boots and a sword tucked into her belt. This outlet didn't dare post those photos, choosing instead to just describe them and credit them to an anonymous person snapping pictures on set. And now Jeff Wells is confirming that the stolen haul of photos includes snaps of "Cate Blanchett in full villain mode." Hmmm ... I don't think the FBI will need to send in Mulder and Scully to get to the bottom of this one.

*See, I told you -- they caught the guy, according to IESB, before this story could even be published. The FBI put together a quick sting operation between some unnamed online journalist and the thief, and pounced on the guy at a seedy hotel in L.A. Apparently the theft was more extensive than originally thought -- the film's script was also possibly up for sale, it seems.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Though we haven't heard much about Steven Spielberg's Abraham Lincoln biopic, Lincoln, Newsweek seems to think Sally Field has been cast as Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. All we know so far is that Liam Neeson has signed to play Lincoln, and according to IMDb, Marcia Gay Harden was rumored to be up for the role of Mary Todd. But things seemed to be put on hold once Spielberg decided to direct Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls, and with a strike looming, we weren't sure whether the director would have time to helm another film -- let alone which film that would be.

But in a Newsweek article discussing a new exhibit at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, "Mary Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy," they come right out and say that Liam Neeson and Sally Field will be playing Lincoln and Mary Todd respectively in the new Spielberg film. In her later years, Mary Todd was committed to an insane asylum, but only after three of her four kids had died and her husband was shot to death while she held his hand. But was she really insane? Spielberg will base his film on the book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin. According to the Amazon description, "Team of Rivals doesn't just tell the story of Abraham Lincoln. It is a multiple biography of the entire team of personal and political competitors that he put together to lead the country through its greatest crisis. Here, Doris Kearns Goodwin profiles five of the key players in her book, four of whom contended for the 1860 Republican presidential nomination and all of whom later worked together in Lincoln's cabinet." Sally Field is currently starring on the TV show Brothers & Sisters (for which she just won an Emmy), and so for her to be able to take on the role, I assume she'll have to do so while the show is on hiatus. As of now, nothing is official.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Signs of a slow, post-holiday news day: Cinematical reports on the signing of a second unit director. Ah, but this isn't just any second unit director, and Dan Bradley hasn't signed on to just any movie. The Hollywood Reporter tells us that Bradley, who's been the action designer behind the last two Bourne films, has hopped onboard Bond 22 as the film's second unit director. Not a bad decision if you ask me; Bond has taken a backseat to the highly-acclaimed Bourne series over the past few years, and it's wise for EON Productions and Columbia Pictures to look toward the latter in an attempt to bolster their franchise going forward. Casino Royale was certainly a good start, and Bradley's involvement means the next Bond installment will at least kick tons of ass in the action department.

According to HR, Bond producers want Bradley to "continue and build on the more realistic and gritty approach to the veteran British spy begun in last year's Casino Royale." Apart from Bond 22 (which will most likely begin filming this winter), Bradley has also done work on two Spider-Man sequels, Jackass: The Movie (now there's an interesting assignment), Seabiscuit and, most recently, Indiana Jones 4. I'm not sure whether the guy was in a lot of fights when he was a kid, but he sure knows how to help deliver some fantastic action sequences, so much so that I wouldn't be surprised if the man is considered to potentially helm Bond 23 if director Marc Forster doesn't decide to return. So far Daniel Craig (Bond) and Judi Dench (M) are signed on to reprise their roles in the next Bond film, with a Bond girl(s) announcement due (hopefully) fairly soon.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Or perhaps they should just call it Indiana Jones and the Six Different Titles. A scooper sent Slashfilm a list of the latest Motion Pictures Association of America Title Registration Report. In moron terms, that's basically a list of all the movie titles each studio registers. And guess who just registered six different Indiana Jones-related titles? Yup, Lucasfilm, Ltd. Brace yourselves folks, because there's a very good chance the fourth installment in the Indiana Jones franchise will wind up using one of the following titles:

• Indiana Jones and the City of Gods -- This has been the long-rumored working title for the film, and the one most of us thought would be used. Out of the remaining five, it's also the title I dig the most.
• Indiana Jones and the Destroyer of Worlds -- What in God's name? Okay, this one sounds more like a Fantastic Four flick than an Indiana Jones movie. Unless, for some odd reason, Jones and the gang hook up with Galactus at some point. Perhaps? Nah.
• Indiana Jones and the Fourth Corner of the Earth -- Too confusing. I'm not crazy about bringing the entire planet into the grand scheme of things; it sounds too large and fantastic for an Indy film.
• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull -- Not a bad title, but for some reason I think of He-Man when I read it. It's also a bit all over the place -- there's a crystal, a kingdom, a skull; I need an aspirin.
• Indiana Jones and the Lost City of Gold -- No. No. 1987. It's been done. Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold. Richard Chamberlain, Sharon Stone -- does it ring a bell? And was I the only one addicted to watching that film? The "lost white race." I loved it!
• Indiana Jones and the Quest for the Covenant -- Ah, and here's where those "full circle" rumors come into play. If you listen to some, Indy might be searching once again for the Ark of the Covenant in this film -- coupled with the Karen Allen reunion, some feel Spielberg and Lucas might want to return to familiar territory. It would also mark the first time Indy went on a "quest." Righteous. But I still like the first title the best.

So, out of those six, which title would you like Indy to go with?

Permalink | Email this | Comments