“They’re remaking Indiana Jones without Harrison Ford, you can’t do that”: Even Donald Trump Would Not Want Disney to Revive Its $2.3 Billion Franchise Without Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford has remained the face of Indiana Jones for almost half a century. Having first starred as the fictional archeology professor in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the actor’s latest and final appearance was in last year’s disappointing Dial of Destiny. As fans are ready to bid goodbye to the beloved character of Indiana Jones, the main protagonist on whom the entire franchise is based, it seems Disney might have other plans.

And if such plans do gain momentum, even figures like Donald Trump wouldn’t want Disney to revive the $2.3 billion franchise without Ford’s titular character.

Even Donald Trump Wouldn’t Want an Indiana Jones Movie Without Harrison Ford

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny revived the Harrison Ford-starrer franchise for one last time. made 42 years after the first film and 15 years after the last film of the franchise, the film brought back Ford as his titular archaeologist Dr. Henry Walton Jones. Jr. Yet, the film became the first flop of the franchise, grossing a mere $383 million at the global box office (via The Numbers).

Although the movie might not have been successful, fans were happy to see Ford back as Indiana Jones one last time. As Ford’s time in the franchise is officially over, Disney is reportedly eyeing to continue the franchise. Yet, they fail to acknowledge that Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Indiana Jones is more than just a role; it’s a cinematic legend that has defined adventure films for generations.

Even Donald Trump, former US president and current presidential candidate, would not want the House of Mouse to revive the franchise sans Ford; for back in 2015, the politician had infamously remarked (via The Daily Beast),

They’re remaking Indiana Jones without Harrison Ford—you can’t do that!

His comments made way back in 2015 remain as relevant as ever. Although the franchise might have some potential to be crafted into an enticing movie or series, it is about time that Disney lets go of the franchise without causing any potential harm to the legacy that Ford built as Indiana Jones.

Why an Indiana Jones Revival Can Not Work Without Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford had, in 2019, stated to Today Show ‘Nobody is going to be Indiana Jones. Don’t you get it? I’m Indiana Jones. When I’m gone, he’s gone. It’s easy!’. And he could not have been any more right for reviving the Indiana Jones franchise, in any fashion, without Ford would be a daunting and potentially misguided endeavor.

Having embodied the character for the last half a century, Ford’s unique blend of charisma, ruggedness, and wit has created an archetype that any other actor, no matter how talented, would struggle to recreate. With the audience having a profound connection to the actor and his character, it further is a risk that in reviving the franchise, Disney will potentially alienate a loyal fanbase.

While there are calls for Phoebe Waller-Bridge or Ke Huy Quan to take over the franchise and mold it into something more authentic to their characters, it is but a truth that needs to be acknowledged, that after the legendary contribution of Ford, any reboot, revival, or spin-off will fall short of the original franchise. A fact that even somebody like Donald Trump recognizes.

Despite the franchise’s $2.3 billion box office gross (via The Numbers), signifying the potential it holds, reviving it in any form will be like performing magic without a magician.

The Indiana Jones franchise can be streamed on Disney+.