June 21st, 2007, posted by FofR | Digg This
We’re just getting started here, so time to fill you in on all the juicy events leading up to this week, when, on June 18th, filming for the fourth installment in the Indiana Jones series finally commenced.
The Last Crusade was released in 1989, under a deal with Paramount pictures which had penned 5 Indy motion pictures. Last Crusade was the final part to what became a classic trilogy and at this point George Lucas decided he should let the series come to an end, citing plot development issues as one of the main causes. However, Spielberg maintained an interest, and, as a result, throughout the nineties and early 00s a multitude of screenplay revisions were developed. These included names such as Jeb Stuart, Last Crusade writer - the late Jeffrey Boam, Frank Darabont, Jeff Nathanson and M. Night Shyamalan. Though ultimately, development kept stalling, particularly because of George Lucas’ focus on his Star Wars franchise.
Finally, in December 2006, Spielberg, Lucas and David Koepp announced that a polished script had been completed and that filming would commence in 2007; set in 1957, a post-Nazi era, to account for Harrison Ford’s age.
It has been stated many times that the film shall not rely on CG effects to create its action scenes; using instead traditional special effects and stuntwork.
Harrison Ford has reprised his role as Indiana Jones, despite being 64 years of age. To get into shape he has had to spend 3 hours a day in the gym whilst maintaining a high protein diet of fish and vegetables. Cate Blanchett will play the leading lady whilst Ray Winstone, Shia LaBeouf, John Hurt are also involved - though their roles are uncertain. Jim Broadbent may also have a part to play. Sean Connery and John Rhys-Davies will not be reprising their roles.
John Williams will be producing the soundtrack, as per the previous three titles.
Filming is expected to take place in Los Angeles and New Haven, Connecticut.
A teaser trailer and film title are set to be unveiled come Thanksgiving.