In 2023, the theatrical release of Indiana Jones 5 did not reach the expected box office figures with huge losses. It was also a disappointment for the franchise. Specifically, the conclusion of Harrison Ford’s stint as Indiana Jones meant significant financial losses for Disney. A recent report reveals the extent of the setback for the entertainment giant.
Indiana Jones 5 is Reporting Huge Losses for Lucasfilm and Disney
According to Forbes, Disney incurred staggering losses of $134.2 million on Indiana Jones 5. This figure exceeds the film’s box office revenues. In addition, post-production costs amounted to $79 million. This brings the total investment to $387.2 million. However, despite the $384 million grossed in theaters, the film did not match the success of its predecessor. The previous installment was Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). In addition, studios typically receive half of the box office receipts, and Disney is estimated to have earned $192 million from “Dial of Destiny.”
Despite the box office setback, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has potential to generate additional revenue. This would be possible through merchandising sales and physical media purchases. Although exact revenues from these avenues have not been disclosed, the production company expects them to contribute positively to total revenues. In addition, the film has performed well in the digital rental and purchase market. This has attracted many viewers since its release on video-on-demand platforms. Its subsequent availability on Disney+ probably further bolstered its viewership numbers. In addition, it could improve its financial results.
Will There Be a Future for the this Lucasfilm Saga?
Despite the lackluster box office performance, Harrison Ford has affirmed that Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny marks his final appearance as the iconic adventurer. While the franchise’s future may seem uncertain given the financial setback, there’s still potential for it to evolve. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who portrayed Helena Shaw in the film, acknowledges the irreplaceable nature of the character but sees storytelling opportunities to explore with her character’s arc.
“There’s no replacing Indiana Jones in any way,” the actress told to Vanity Fair. “But I feel like the character herself — she did feel fresh on the page, and there is a sense of, is there room in the world for someone like this. So I do think there’s room for a slightly clumsier, bruised, limping female action star, maybe, in the future.”
James Mangold directed Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and features a screenplay co-written by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and David Koepp. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, John Rhys-Davies, Toby Jones, Boyd Holbrook, and Mads Mikkelsen.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is now available for streaming on Disney+.
Featured Image Via Lucasfilm