We’re just two weeks away from the highly anticipated theatrical bow of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which we can only hope will take the form of a sendoff worthy of Harrison Ford‘s legendary adventurer. We know the film is certainly armed with the intention of exploring Indy’s contention with the twilight of his life, so we’ll just have to see if that particular glue keeps everything together.
Ford himself turns 81 in less than a month, so the iconic leading man has been synonymous with the whip-happy archaeologist for nearly half of his life, having first portrayed the character 42 years ago in Raiders of the Lost Ark. With respect to that, there’s an undeniable beauty in Ford having the chance to bring this pillar of his career full circle.
While the actor is beyond grateful for what the character has given him, now is ultimately the time to say good-bye. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ford reflected on his past 42 years of not only playing Indiana Jones, but the doors that opened due to the world falling in love with the character.
“I don’t think I’m going to miss anything. I appreciate all of the opportunities that the character has given me. I have been very grateful and I have enjoyed myself for the 42 years that we’ve been making these. The success of these movies have really given me not only a chance to satisfy a broad audience, but they’ve given me a freedom; because of their success, they’ve given me freedom in my chosen profession. And I’m grateful for that, I’m grateful for everything that’s happened to me. I’m a lucky guy.”
Indeed, it sounds like a happy farewell for Ford on all fronts; he got to finish off this storied character properly, and now it’s time to move on. As for whether the world of Indiana Jones will continue beyond Ford’s retirement, we’re sure Phoebe Waller-Bridge would be happy to enable such a possibility.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is due in theaters on June 30.