Less than a month ago, Shia LaBeouf was denying, to PopWatch and anyone else who would listen, that the reports of him being cast in Indiana Jones IV were anything more than rumors. Now, however, the Disturbia star’s casting is a done deal, and as much as I think LaBeouf is a funny and inventive young performer, I’m on the fence as to whether his casting is a good idea.
On the minus side: Do we really need to see Indy distracted from his adventures by some midlife father-son drama, the playing out of some abandonment issues that will read like an allegory of the midlife crisis of a busy Hollywood power player? Been there, done that, in both Last Crusade and Temple of Doom (pictured). Or, if LaBeouf isn’t playing Indy’s son, but perhaps some impostor who claims to be the whipcracker’s offspring in order to scam him into an adventure, would that really be any better? Either way, there’s something artificial about using these old warhorse/young hipster-geek pairings to prop up long-dormant action franchises, which is why I have similar apprehensions about Bruce Willis and Justin Long in Live Free or Die Hard. If Adam Brody pops up as a junior freedom fighter in Stallone’s fourth Rambo, run for the hills.
On the plus side: Kid’s got talent, Cate Blanchett and Ray Winstone are also going to be on hand to step up everyone’s game, the franchise could certainly use some youthful energy, and Spielberg can usually be trusted to know what he’s doing. And if Shia gets out of line, Ford’ll make him feel the sting of the lash.
What do you think, PopWatchers? Does LaBeouf’s casting make you more or less eager to see Indy don his fedora one more time?
I’m pretty much gonna go ahead and close my eyes and hope that the scenario turns out to be the one described in the second to last paragraph of the post.
Shia brings nothing to the plate, so hopefully he won’t get in the way of the final chapter.
Ew, NOOOOO. Not only do we not need an Indy Jr, but I don’t approve of Shia if he is indeed playing that part. What about Ryan Gosling?
I was really, really, really excited for this film. That was until I heard about this bit of casting news. Either Shia’s going to wow us with a performance that he hasn’t shown to be capable of delivering, or he’s just going to come across as a wannabe former child actor. I think the odds are stacked against him and us as well.
Wow, i have never lost interest on a movie faster. not even renting it on dvd, i’ll catch it fifteen years from now, on a channel #9420. the Good ideas gone bad channel.
Shia’s HOTT! I CAN’T WAIT!
I’m still hoping that Indy had a girl and maybe Shia is her love interest? That wouldn’t be too bad. He’s a cutie, but not my very most favorite…
I’m definitely excited about Shia! Did any of you people ever watch Even Stevens?! He was pretty darn brilliant, and hilarious. He completely carried that show. Dramatic, funny and cute!
Shia LeBoeuf is what, 20? And Harrison Ford is in his mid to late 60s, right? So shouldn’t Shia be Harrison’s grandson?
I don’t think I’ve seen anything he has been in. He’s the host of SNL so I will know more after tomorrow night.
Shia rocked Disturbia. Can’t wait to see what he does with the Indy franchise.
He will help. I love Shia LaBeouf very much and have liked the movies he has been in. I would really like to see what else he can pull off and I want to see him a lot more in future movies. Go Shia LaBeouf
Shia’s fine casting, but I’m more excited about Cate Blanchett. She’s the best!
I’m with the person that suggested Ryan Gosling, I think that would be better casting. Damn shame River Phoneix passed he could have stepped in * He rocked it as young Indy* . I dont think Shia is quite right for Indy, but I trust Speilberg to not screw up Indy. He’s not a newcomer, he’s been around. He’s not going ruin such a beloved franchise.
Hmmm, I’m not sure. I think he’s not a bad actor. although Even Stevens cannot be used to measure quality acting, cause well it wasn’t all that good. But more to the point, why do we need another Indiana Jones film? I guess i’m just not all that excited by the entire endeavour. It feels like it’s coming ten years too late.