'Indiana Jones 5' Release Date Pushed, 'Solo' Writer Jonathan Kasdan Working on New Draft

The fifth installment in the “Indiana Jones” franchise isn’t coming in July 2020 as promised.

The Disney film has been pushed back for development reason as the studio solicits Jonathan Kasdan, son of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” scribe Lawrence Kasdan, to come on board and write a new draft of the script, according to individuals with knowledge of the project. Both Kasdans wrote the script for the latest “Star Wars” anthology film, “Solo.”

Also Read: 'Solo' Limps to $148 Million in 10 Days - Less Than 'Rogue One' Opening Weekend

The previous draft of the Indy film was written by David Koepp, whose writing credits include the first two “Jurassic Park” films and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” He is leaving the project to focus on his Blumhouse film, “You Should Have Left,” which he will write and direct.

“Indiana Jones 5” is still set to have Steven Spielberg directing and see the return of star Harrison Ford, though this schedule push will likely change Spielberg’s filming schedule. Three months ago, Spielberg had said in interviews that he planned to start shooting “Indy 5” in April 2019, but with this date pushback, he will likely choose another project to start next spring.

Spielberg is also attached to direct a remake of the classic musical “West Side Story,” which is currently in pre-production with Tony Kushner set to adapt the screenplay and casting for leads underway. Spielberg is also attached to film an adaptation of DC’s “Blackhawk” for Warner Bros.

Indiana Jones: 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' Historical Fact-Check (Photos)

Now 75 years old, Harrison Ford isn't confined to outer space for wild adventures. He's been in some tight situations here on Earth that make Han Solo's Jabba-the-Hut confrontation look tame. The first Indiana Jones film, "Raiders of the Lost Ark," is set in the late 1930s, when countries were on the brink of World War II. And now TheWrap has examined the Oscar-winning Steven Spielberg film against its historical backdrop.
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Are the Hovito people real?

At the beginning of the movie, Indiana Jones is seeking a fertility idol in the Peruvian jungle. When he gets out of the booby-trapped temple with the infamous boulder, he's pursued by the Hovitos, descendants of the Chachapoyas.
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While the Hovitos and their language are fictional, the Chachapoyas are real -- at least, they were. Known as the "Warriors of the Clouds," they lived high in the Andes Mountains.

Also Read: Ron Howard Has Saved Han Solo Before – Here’s His ‘American Graffiti’ Scene With Harrison Ford (Video)
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Do they speak Spanish in Peru?

While in the temple on the hunt for the idol, Indy's guide tricks him, thinking he's leaving Indy behind. He leaves with an "Adios, amigo."
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Yes, the principal language in Peru is Spanish. Aymara and Quechua are other languages spoken in the South American country.
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Is Tanis a real place?

Indy ends up in Tanis, where the Nazis are searching for the Ark of the Covenant. It's in Tanis that the professor eventually finds the Ark.
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Yes, Tanis is a real place. The ancient Egyptian city was located in Northeastern Egypt on the delta of the Nile River, and eventually became the capital. In 1939, royal tombs were discovered. Jewelry, precious stones, gold and pharaoh masks were all found -- but no Ark.

Also Read: 90 Best Movies of the ’90s, From ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ to ‘The Matrix’ (Photos)
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Is the Ark of the Covenant real?

The whole point of the movie is finding the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis. Indy and his pals cross the globe to get to it first.
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If you believe the Old Testament, then yes. The Ark of the Covenant is part of the story of Moses, and serves as the symbol of God's divine presence. Still, a physical ark has yet to be discovered.

Also Read: 15 Times ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ Mimicked John Hughes Movies (Photos)
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Was Hitler really obsessed with the occult?

The movie hinges on Hitler's obsession with the occult, and his desire to collect old religious artifacts that might bring him more power.
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There have been books and documentaries about Hitler's connections with the occult, mostly due to the shared belief that there is such a thing as a superior race.

Also Read: 50 Actors Over 50 Who Are Still Conquering Hollywood (Photos)
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TheWrap probes 1930s-set adventure classic on Harrison Ford’s 75th birthday

Now 75 years old, Harrison Ford isn't confined to outer space for wild adventures. He's been in some tight situations here on Earth that make Han Solo's Jabba-the-Hut confrontation look tame. The first Indiana Jones film, "Raiders of the Lost Ark," is set in the late 1930s, when countries were on the brink of World War II. And now TheWrap has examined the Oscar-winning Steven Spielberg film against its historical backdrop.

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