James Mangold reveals why Shia LaBeouf won’t be a part of Indiana Jones 5

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is set to release at the end of this month. With Harrison Ford taking on the iconic role once again with Fleabag creator/actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge, there is plenty of excitement for the fifth film in the franchise. However, a key character is not returning to the film. 

3 things you need to know 

• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is Harrison Ford’s last outing as the titular character.

• Shia LaBeouf was part of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

• LaBeouf played the role of Indiana Jones’ own son.

James Mangold wanted to explore new dynamics for Indiana Jones 

Indiana Jones 5 director James Mangold recently explained why the latest film for the archaeologist-adventurer didn’t feature Shia LaBeouf. During the red carpet appearance at the Indiana Jones 5 premiere, Mangold spoke with Variety. He said that his role in Indy 4 led to a dynamic between him and Jones with a ‘wonderful energy’. He added that he wanted the same energy between Jones and a female actor, which left no space for the Fury actor’s character. 

(Shia LaBeouf as Mutt Williams in Indiana Jones 4 | Image: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull)

"I think the point I had was that when I came on,” said James Mangold. The Ford V Ferrari director added, “I wanted to capture that wonderful energy between Indy and an intrepid female character”. He concluded that that’s what he initially intended, and after finding the right character, there’s no space for bringing back another character. 

What was Shia LaBeouf’s role in Indiana Jones 4?

In Indy 4, LaBeouf played the role of Mutt Williams, who simply tags along with Jones for the ride. However, he ends up being caught up in the larger Soviet plot of the story. It later turns out that Mutt is the love child of Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen).