Jungle Cruise Proves A Female Indiana Jones Movie Reboot Would Work

Disney’s success with Jungle Cruise proves a female-led Indiana Jones reboot would work in the future. Audiences who have seen Jungle Cruise undoubtedly recognize the vast similarities between Disney’s latest adventure film and the Indiana Jones franchise. The film is not shy in its overt homage to the classic Spielberg films, though Spielberg himself will not be directing Indiana Jones 5. In fact, Emily Blunt’s character, Dr. Lily Houghton, aligns particularly well with Dr. Jones and his desire to preserve artifacts for the betterment of humankind. The similarities between the two adventurers are demonstrated throughout the film, with Blunt’s character essentially becoming a female Indiana Jones stand-in.

Jungle Cruise featured Blunt’s Dr. Houghton teaming up with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s jungle river-boat operator to search for the Tears of the Moon. Along the way they are pursued by the villainous aristocrat, Prince Joachim (Jesse Plemons) who hoped to exploit the Tears, and conquistadors looking to liberate themselves from a centuries-long curse. This plot may sound familiar as it combines elements from the Nazis’ pursuit of the Ark in Raiders of the Lost Ark with Barbossa’s desire to break his curse in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

Consequently, Blunt’s active and engaging performance in Disney’s ride-inspired adventure film demonstrates the potential for a female-led Indiana Jones film. The idea of a female Dr. Jones isn’t that wild of an idea after Disney’s success with Rey in Star Wars or their decision to reboot Pirates of the Caribbean with Margot Robbie. Moreover, Emily Blunt’s character is definitely Jungle Cruise’s protagonist and carries much of the film. Her sense of adventure, ingenuity, and ability to escape imminent doom are precisely the traits necessary for any Indiana Jones character, including any future female Dr. Jones.

One way in which Jungle Cruise proves a female Indiana Jones reboot would work, is the film’s audience reception. Despite mixed critical reviews, including a Tomatometer score of 63% and an impressive 92% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, Jungle Cruise has done well for itself and Disney alike. Evidently, audiences enjoy the family-friendly adventure. Many of these reviews highlight Emily Blunt’s genuine performance which contrasts well with Johnson’s over-the-top character and quirky dad jokes. This approval hints at an overall acceptance of a strong female adventurer by wide audiences. If audiences enjoy the off-brand Dr. Lily Houghton, it’s likely audiences would rave over a female Indiana Jones and the world that comes with the character.

Indiana Jones 5 is set to be Harrison Ford’s final time in the fedora and Disney will likely seek an opportunity to reboot the 40-year-old franchise in a new and exciting way. A female-led film would certainly do the trick. It’s possible Disney may lay the foundation for this in the upcoming film which has cast Phoebe Waller-Bridge as a lead character alongside Ford. Details surrounding this role are actively being held under wraps, indicating her role will likely be quite substantial. Perhaps Phoebe Waller-Bridge will inherit the reins and whip of the Jones legacy.

Moreover, it’s time for little girls to have their own adventurer to look up to and identify with, just as they now have Wonder Woman and Black widow. No matter what happens, Emily Blunt’s portrayal of an intelligent and capable adventurer in Jungle Cruise gives credence to the notion that a female Indiana Jones reboot would work. Disney obviously recognizes the potential in female-led blockbusters from their success with Star Wars and subsequent decision to reboot Pirates of the Caribbean with Margot Robbie. Consequently, the fate of such a reboot may rest with the success or failure of Indiana Jones.

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