Indiana Jones 5 producer Frank Marshall has now revealed further details regarding Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s role in proceedings. Namely, that she is related to Harrison Ford’s intrepid archeologist. Taking to social media, Marshall could not help but comment on an image of Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge taken at the recent D23 Expo, saying, “Indy and his goddaughter, Helena.”

Of course, a goddaughter does not have to be blood-related to their godparent, but this comment from Frank Marshall reveals that Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Indiana Jones 5 character, Helena, will already have a relationship with Ford’s adventurer.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

While plot details for Indiana Jones 5 remain largely under wraps (there has been speculation that the 60s space race will be involved as well as Indiana Jones once again fighting Nazis), we do now know quite a bit about Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character. Named Helena, legendary composer John Williams, who will return to score Indiana Jones 5, has described her as an “adventuress” and “a femme fatale," before revealing that she will be action-oriented.

“She’s also a femme fatale. She’s many, many things,” Williams added. “She has a kind of lyrical music like an old movie star, which she looks like, except she’s young and beautiful and wonderful.”

Is Phoebe Waller-Bridge Being Lined Up to Lead the Indiana Jones Franchise?

     Lucasfilm Ltd.

All of these new details add further plausibility to the ongoing rumor that Phoebe Waller-Bridge is being lined up to take over the Indiana Jones franchise following the departure of Harrison Ford. “Insiders claim Kathleen Kennedy, the Hollywood producer behind the franchise, is keen to make ‘big, bold’ changes — with few bigger than switching the lead character to a woman,” is what the rumor mill has churned out so far, with one source adding, “It would be a huge statement, and a great role for Phoebe.”

While this currently remains just a rumor, Harrison Ford has now confirmed once and for all that Indiana Jones 5 will be the final time that he portrays the beloved character. “Thank you for making these films such an incredible experience for all of us. I’m very proud to say this one is fantastic,” the actor said while appearing at D23.

Ford went on to heap praise on Waller-Bridge, perhaps adding further fuel to this particular fire. “And [new franchise star Phoebe Waller-Bridge] is one of the reasons,” Ford said. “Indiana Jones movies are about mystery and adventure but they’re also about heart. I’m really, really happy that we have a really human story to tell as well as a movie that will kick your a**. I’m delighted to be here again for maybe … No, not maybe. This is it! I will not fall down for you again. But thank you so much."

Directed by James Mangold from a script co-written by Mangold, Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth, Indiana Jones 5 stars Harrison Ford, John Rhys-Davies, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Kretschmann, Boyd Holbrook, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Toby Jones, and Antonio Banderas.

Indiana Jones 5 is scheduled for release on June 30, 2023, following several delays.