History of Indiana Jones in Timeline
Indiana Jones is a fictional archaeologist and adventurer, portrayed by Harrison Ford, at the center of a popular media franchise. The franchise includes five films, a television series, games, comics, and novels. Indiana Jones is characterized by his iconic fedora, whip, and daring exploits as he seeks out historical artifacts and confronts villains, often Nazis or other enemies, in exotic locations. His adventures blend action, mystery, and historical elements, making him a prominent figure in popular culture.
1920: Indiana Jones Adventure in Chicago Narrated by Ford
In 1920, the setting for the adventures of Indiana Jones as narrated by Ford in one episode of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.
1936: Setting of Raiders of the Lost Ark
In 1936, the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark take place, where Indiana Jones is tasked with locating the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis do.
1938: Setting of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
In 1938, the events of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade unfold, with Indiana searching for the Holy Grail alongside his father, Henry Jones, Sr.
1944: Jones and Basil Retrieve Archimedes' Dial
In 1944, during the Allied liberation of Europe in World War II, Indiana Jones and Helena Shaw's father, Basil, retrieved Archimedes' Dial from the Nazis.
1969: Setting of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
In 1969, the events of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny unfold, featuring a retiring Indiana Jones who is drawn into a new adventure involving Archimedes' Dial and a Nazi-turned-NASA scientist.
1973: George Lucas wrote The Adventures of Indiana Smith
In 1973, George Lucas wrote The Adventures of Indiana Smith, envisioning it as a modern take on the movie serials of the 1930s and 1940s.
May 1977: Lucas pitched Raiders of the Lost Ark to Spielberg
In May 1977, while in Maui, George Lucas pitched the idea for Raiders of the Lost Ark to Steven Spielberg, who was also on vacation there. Spielberg loved the concept and described it as "a James Bond film without the hardware."
1981: Release of Raiders of the Lost Ark
In 1981, Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first film in the Indiana Jones series created by George Lucas, was released.
1982: Numerous Indiana Jones video games released
Since 1982, numerous Indiana Jones video games have been released.
1983: Marvel Comics published The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones
In 1983, Marvel Comics began publishing the comic series The Further Adventures of Indiana Jones.
1984: Release of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
In 1984, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, a prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark, was released.
1989: Lucas ended the film series after Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Following the 1989 release of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, George Lucas decided to end the film series, feeling he couldn't devise a compelling plot for another installment. He shifted his focus to producing The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.
1989: Release of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
In 1989, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, a sequel in the series, was released.
December 1992: Ford played Indiana in one episode of Young Indiana Jones Chronicles
In December 1992, Harrison Ford played Indiana Jones in one episode of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, narrating his adventures in 1920 Chicago.
1992: Franchise expanded to television with The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles
In 1992, the Indiana Jones franchise expanded to television with The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, a series depicting Jones in his youth.
October 1993: Jeb Stuart started writing a script for the next Indiana Jones movie
From October 1993 to May 1994, Jeb Stuart worked on a script based on Lucas's story, envisioning an older Indiana in a science fiction 1950s B-movie setting with aliens as the plot device.
May 1994: Jeb Stuart script development for new film
From October 1993 to May 1994, Jeb Stuart worked on a script based on Lucas's story, envisioning an older Indiana in a science fiction 1950s B-movie setting with aliens as the plot device.
March 1996: Jeffrey Boam completed the last of three drafts for new film
Jeffrey Boam, writer of Last Crusade, completed the last of three drafts based on Lucas's story ideas for a new Indiana Jones film in March 1996, after which Spielberg decided against making another alien invasion film due to the release of Independence Day.
2000: Renewed Interest in Reviving the Indiana Jones Project
In 2000, Spielberg's son expressed interest in another Indiana Jones film, prompting Spielberg, Lucas, Ford, Marshall, and Kennedy to discuss reviving the project and enjoying the filmmaking experience again. Spielberg also considered it a break from his darker films.
May 2002: Frank Darabont Hired to Write Indiana Jones and the City of Gods
In May 2002, Frank Darabont was hired to write Indiana Jones and the City of Gods, set in the 1950s with ex-Nazis as antagonists. Spielberg liked the script, but Lucas had issues and took over writing himself.
2002: M. Night Shyamalan Hired to Write
In 2002, M. Night Shyamalan was hired to write for a potential Indiana Jones film aimed for a 2002 shoot, but he found it challenging to get Ford, Spielberg, and Lucas to focus on the project. Stephen Gaghan and Tom Stoppard were also considered for the writing role.
August 2004: Jeff Nathanson Met With Spielberg and Lucas
In August 2004, Jeff Nathanson met with Spielberg and Lucas to discuss writing drafts for the next Indiana Jones film.
2008: Initial development of the fifth film began
In 2008, initial development began for the fifth Indiana Jones film, but the project faced significant delays.
2012: The Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm
In 2012, The Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm, assuming ownership of the Indiana Jones intellectual property.
June 2021: Filming began for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Filming for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny began in the United Kingdom in June 2021.
February 2022: Filming wrapped for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
In February 2022, filming concluded for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
June 30, 2023: Release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny by Disney
On June 30, 2023, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was released by Disney, marking the first film in the series with Disney's involvement.
2023: Release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
In 2023, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the fifth film in the series, was released.
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