Indiana Jones: Kathleen Kennedy says it’s “entirely possible” for Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Helena Shaw to star in a new film

While Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny marks Harrison Ford’s final performance as Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones Jr., the franchise may continue with another character leading future expeditions into the unknown. I’m talking about Indy’s goddaughter, Helena Shaw. Phoebe Waller-Bridge brings the character to life in the James Mangold-directed sequel. From what I’ve heard, Helena is a highlight of the new film, and the franchise’s future could rest in her capable hands. In a recent interview with Variety, producer Kathleen Kennedy says it’s “entirely possible” for Waller-Bridge to continue the brand.

Speaking with Variety about the new film, its mixed reception, and the franchise’s future, Mangold becomes visibly excited when the outlet broaches the topic of Helena Shaw. Mangold says he and the Butterworths (Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth) wrote the character specifically for Waller-Bridge, including elements of what made Indy’s beloved Marion Ravenwood a fan favorite of the series. When asked about Helena’s future on the silver screen, Mangold quickly shoved the notion aside.

“I’m not interested,” he says. “I refuse. I just can’t do it.” Mangold adores the character but feels intimidated by the franchise’s lore and rabid fan base. One movie might have been enough for Mangold, and who could blame him? “The amount of lore and Easter eggs and fan service starts to become antithetical to any of this stuff at a certain point. It isn’t storytelling anymore. It’s large-scale advertising.”

While Mangold isn’t interested in leading Helena Shaw into the throughs of danger for another cinematic excursion, Kathleen Kennedy says it’s “entirely possible” for Shaw to star in her own film. “We’re not having any of those conversations right now. We’re just focused on finishing this with Harrison.”

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny stars Harrison Ford as the legendary hero archaeologist, as well as Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), Mads Mikkelsen (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore), Toby Jones (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Boyd Holbrook (Logan), Antonio Banderas (Pain and Glory), Shaunette Renée Wilson (Black Panther), Thomas Kretschmann (Das Boot), Olivier Richters (Black Widow), Ethann Isidore (Mortel), and John Rhys-Davies (Raiders of the Lost Ark). James Mangold directed and co-wrote the script alongside Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth.

How do you feel about the Indiana Jones franchise continuing with a different character in the lead? We’ll have to wait until Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny opens in theaters on June 30 to know how general audiences react to Helena Shaw. Still, there’s little anyone can do to sway a corporation when they feel they’re leaving money on the table by not bleeding a franchise dry. I like the idea of passing the torch to another Indy family member. Change is a fact of life. We can either embrace it or join the echo chambers online in futility. Let us know your thoughts about Helena Shaw getting her own movie in the comments below.