If you are an Indiana Jones fan, you might wonder if Shia LaBeouf, who played Indy’s son Mutt Williams in the fourth installment, will return for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
The answer is no; he won’t. But why not? And what happened to his character? Here’s what we know so far.
1. Why Shia LaBeouf is not in Indiana Jones 5
Shia LaBeouf, who played Indy’s son, Mutt Williams, is not in Indiana Jones 5. Director James Mangold explained that he wanted to focus on the energy between Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. LaBeouf’s absence may also be related to his negative comments about the previous film.
Shia LaBeouf debuted as Mutt Williams, the rebellious son of Indy and his former flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), in 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
The movie was not well received by critics and fans alike, and many blamed LaBeouf’s character for being too annoying and unrealistic. LaBeouf himself was not happy with the movie either and publicly criticized director Steven Spielberg and the script in several interviews.
It seems that these factors contributed to his absence from the fifth movie, directed by James Mangold, who also helmed Logan and Ford v Ferrari.
Mangold told Variety that there was no space to bring back Mutt, as he wanted to focus on “that wonderful energy between Indy and an intrepid female character.” He was referring to Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who plays Indy’s goddaughter Helena Shaw, a new character who joins him on his latest adventure.
Mangold also said that he wanted to avoid relying too much on legacy characters and instead create a new and exciting story that would honor Harrison Ford’s final performance as Indy.
According to him, bringing back Mutt would have been a distraction from that goal, and he wanted to respect the fans’ opinions on the previous movie.
2. What happened to Mutt Williams?
Some fans have speculated that Mutt might have died, gone missing, or become estranged from his father. Others have suggested that he followed his own path as an adventurer or a rebel.
Although Mutt will not appear in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Mangold promised that audiences will “find out what happened” to him but did not reveal any details.
Whatever the case may be, it seems that Indy will have to face his final challenge without his son by his side. Instead, he will have the support of his old friends Marion, Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott), and his new ally Helena.
He will also have to deal with a new villain, a former-Nazi scientist named Otto von Bismarck (Mads Mikkelsen), who is after a mysterious artifact called the Dial of Destiny.
3. When is Indiana Jones 5 coming out?
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will be released in US theaters on June 30, 2023. It is expected to be the last movie in the franchise, as Harrison Ford has announced that he will retire from playing Indy after this film.
The movie is set in the 1960s, during the space race, and will feature some historical figures and events, such as John F. Kennedy, Neil Armstrong, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The movie has been delayed several times due to various reasons, such as script changes, director changes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Mangold has assured fans that the movie is worth the wait and will deliver a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to Indy’s saga.
If you are excited to see Indiana Jones 5, make sure to mark your calendars for June 30, 2023.
And if you are curious about Shia LaBeouf’s career and whereabouts, you can check out some of his latest projects, such as Honey Boy, The Peanut Butter Falcon, and Pieces of a Woman.
4. About Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is an upcoming American action-adventure film and is the fifth and final installment of the Indiana Jones film series. The film is directed by James Mangold, who co-wrote the script with Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth.
In 1969, Indiana Jones lives against the backdrop of the Space Race. Jones had started to feel doubts when the U.S. Government recruited former World War II enemies in their desperation to beat the Soviet Union out in the competition to make it to space. His goddaughter, Helena, accompanies him on his journey. Meanwhile, Voller, a NASA member and ex-Nazi involved with the moon-landing program, wishes to make the world a better place as he sees fit.
Harrison Ford will reprise his role as Indiana Jones, joined by Mads Mikkelsen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Thomas Kretschmann, Boyd Holbrook, and Shaunette Renee Wilson.
No Comments on Is Shia LaBeouf in Indiana Jones 5? Maker Addresses Mutt Williams’ Mystery