When Disney purchases Lucasfilm a few years ago it was expected they'd continue on with the Indiana Jones franchise at some point. We've heard various reports on the fifth movie's progress, most recently learning David Koepp, writer of the maligned Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, had been hired to pen the screenplay, which would be a continuation of sorts. But what about George Lucas? Would he be involved like he's been since the beginning? According to Koepp, the answer is "no".
Speaking with Collider, who apparently couldn't find enough things about Inferno to keep the interview going, Koepp said he's had "no contact" with Lucas and that to the best of his knowledge he isn't involved at all. We heard a few months ago that Lucas would be listed as an exec-producer, but this is likely a ceremonial title with little creative influence. As for what the story will entail, Koepp gives a brilliantly tongue-in-cheek answer...
“All I can say is that there’s lots of aliens and Indy dies at the end (laughs). Lots of hiding in lead-lined refrigerators, aliens, and he dies. Should go over very well.”
Y'know, if only he could have worked in a Shia LaBeouf reference it would have been perfect. This isn't at all surprising. Lucas was shoved aside for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and things went just fine. Since fans don't really care for Lucas anyway, there's really no value in having his input.
