John Williams is a true legend in the making. His music has shed fresh light on familiar moments, bringing us all together in the company of our favourite films, and continues to demonstrate his skill as a composer. The 90-year-old composer’s most recognisable work to this day remains the Indiana Jones theme, though he also composed the scores for Star Wars & Harry Potter. And now, just in time for Harrison Ford’s return to the role of Indiana Jones in filmmaker James Mangold’s Indiana Jones 5 in 2023, we get our first look at the film’s expanded plot!
After recording a theme for Phoebe’s Waller-character Bridge’s Helena, director James Mangold reportedly instructed Williams to perform the song during Williams’ recent concert at the Hollywood Bowl, even though the film wouldn’t be released until the following summer. And that’s saying something because this is one of Williams’ most beautiful themes I’ve ever heard. Slashfilm reports that the footage was posted by music video and television cinematographer Chuck Ozeas and features Williams discussing the theme and working on Indiana Jones 5. “Last week, when we were recording the music, our brilliant director Jim Mangold, the most magnificent man in the world, suggested, “Why don’t you perform it at the Bowl next week?” Well, Jim, I told him, the movie won’t be released until next year. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bowl is the place to hear it! Phoebe’s main idea is as follows.”
Then he elaborated on Waller-personality. Bridge’s “She’s a free spirit and a femme fatale in equal measure. She’s young, gorgeous, and amazing, yet her song has the lyricism of an old movie star. Finally, Helena’s Theme, albeit almost six months early.” Hearing this new soundtrack and knowing that we’ll soon be back on an adventure with Indy and a fresh cast of people got me quite emotional, but that might simply be because I have such a strong personal connection to the Indiana Jones series and character. Add to that the beauty of Williams’ new song, and I can’t help but look forward to what the fifth Indiana Jones film will bring. On June 30th, the fifth Indiana Jones film will be released.