Indiana Jones 5 writer says Steven Spielberg quit as director because his ideas ‘didn’t work'
David Koepp praised Spielberg for his ‘gracious’ decision
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Steven Spielberg stepped down as director of Indiana Jones 5 due to trouble behind-the-scenes, it’s been revealed.
In February 2020, the filmmaker announced he would not be overseeing the project as he wished to pass the character's legacy on “to a new generation”.
However, screenwriter David Koepp has admitted creative differences over the script also inspired the move.
“I tried a couple different versions with Steven and they all had some good stuff about them and they all had some stuff that didn’t work, which happens,” he told Den of Geek.
“But, it was just very hard to have everybody come together all at once and have all the elements – Steven, Harrison [Ford], the script and Disney. And it didn’t.”
Koepp admitted that the scriptwriting process eased up once Spielberg decided to quit as director.
Logan and Walk the Line’s James Mangold was announced as his replacement.
“When James Mangold came in and Steven stepped out, that was a pretty logical breaking point,” Koepp said.
“It’s a gracious time to step out the door because I think the last thing a new director wants is the old director’s writer.”
Spielberg has said he will remain on board as a “hands on” producer of the film. It will be the first ever Indiana Jones film to be directed by someone else.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Following the sequel's announcement, many fans were left questioning the necessity of another follow-up considering the lukewarm response to 2008's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Ford, 78, will reprise the role once again.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments