The Next Indiana Jones: 12 Actors Tipped To Inherit The Fedora And Whip In Lucasfilm’s Reboot

As of December 2025, the future of the beloved Indiana Jones franchise remains one of Hollywood's most intense debates, centering entirely on the question of who—if anyone—will replace the irreplaceable Harrison Ford. Following the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which concluded Ford’s decades-long run as the iconic archaeologist, rumors about a full franchise reboot have dominated industry headlines, though Lucasfilm and Disney are reportedly taking a "calculated pause" before making any official announcements.

The core intention behind any new project is clear: to find a fresh face capable of carrying the legacy of Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones Jr. for a new generation. This high-stakes casting decision is complicated by the fact that the character is uniquely tied to Ford, leading to a vibrant, often contentious, fan-casting war that pits established stars against rising talents. The list of potential successors is long, but only a few names have consistently risen to the top of the speculation pool.

The Unconfirmed Future: Disney's 'Calculated Pause' on the Franchise

The end of Dial of Destiny marked Harrison Ford's final outing as Indy, a fact that has immediately shifted the focus from sequels to a complete franchise overhaul.

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Reports suggest that Lucasfilm is quietly preparing a full-fledged reboot, aiming to give the property "a bit of breathing room" after the fifth film.

While some sources suggest a reboot is currently on hold, Lucasfilm's strategy appears to be a deliberate period of rest before a major announcement, perhaps at a future D23 event, to launch a new trilogy or series.

This approach is seen as necessary to distance the new project from the emotional conclusion of Ford’s era, a move that would allow a new actor to step into the role without the immediate pressure of being his direct successor.

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The potential reboot could explore various timelines, including a younger version of the character, or introduce a completely new protagonist in the same adventurous spirit, akin to the "Creed" model where an original character mentors a new lead.

The Contenders: 12 Actors Tipped to Inherit the Fedora and Whip

The debate over who should be the next Indiana Jones is fierce, with fan-casting lists featuring dozens of names. However, a select group of actors possesses the necessary blend of charm, action chops, and dramatic weight to be seriously considered by Lucasfilm and Kathleen Kennedy.

The Frontrunners: Actors Heavily Tied to the Rumor Mill

• Pedro Pascal: The most persistent and widely circulated rumor suggests Disney is eyeing the star of The Mandalorian and The Last of Us. Pascal’s ability to balance rugged action with a deep, emotional core makes him a compelling choice for a more modern take on the archaeologist.
• Glen Powell: Following his breakout success in blockbusters, Powell has the classic Hollywood leading man look and a charismatic swagger that aligns well with Indy's adventurous spirit, making him a favorite among many fans.
• Chris Pratt: Pratt was one of the earliest rumored names for the role, dating back to before Dial of Destiny was greenlit. While his star power is undeniable, some critics argue his style might be too similar to other roles he has played.

Strong Candidates for a Younger Indy Prequel

Should Lucasfilm opt for a prequel series or film, focusing on the character's earlier adventures (similar to the opening of The Last Crusade where River Phoenix played a teenage Indy, or the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles featuring Sean Patrick Flanery and Corey Carrier), a different set of actors would be in the running.

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• Alden Ehrenreich: Already known for playing a younger version of a Harrison Ford icon (Han Solo), Ehrenreich has the pedigree and the Lucasfilm connection, though his previous experience might work against him.
• Joe Keery: The Stranger Things star is a popular fan-cast for a younger, more energetic Indiana Jones, possessing the necessary boyish charm and comedic timing.
• Dacre Montgomery: Another Stranger Things alum, Montgomery has the rugged, period-appropriate look that could suit a 1930s adventure setting.
• Dylan O’Brien: Known for the Maze Runner series, O'Brien is frequently mentioned for his action experience and ability to portray an earnest, reluctant hero.

The Outsiders: Diverse and Unexpected Choices

A true "full franchise reboot" could mean a complete departure from previous expectations, potentially opening the door for more diverse or unexpected casting choices, which could revitalize the series by offering a fresh perspective.

• Idris Elba: A seasoned actor with undeniable gravitas, Elba would bring a completely new, sophisticated dimension to the adventurer, drawing comparisons to the ongoing debate over a Black James Bond.
• Michael Fassbender: Known for his intense dramatic roles and action work in films like X-Men, Fassbender could portray a darker, more complex version of the archaeologist.
• Henry Golding: The star of Crazy Rich Asians and Snake Eyes offers a combination of suave charm and action capability, presenting a modern, global appeal for the franchise.
• Diego Calva: Following his acclaimed role in Babylon, Calva represents a rising international star who could bring a unique cultural flavor to the globetrotting hero.
• Bradley Cooper: A highly respected actor and director, Cooper has the leading-man status and dramatic depth to anchor a major franchise reboot.

The Harrison Ford Dilemma: Why Recasting Is a 'Nuclear Take'

The biggest obstacle to any new casting is the monumental shadow cast by Harrison Ford. For many fans and even key figures in the franchise, Ford is not just an actor who played the role; he is Indiana Jones.

Director Steven Spielberg, who helmed the first four films, has famously stated that he has "no intention of finding a new actor" and believes Harrison Ford will "forever be our Indiana Jones."

This sentiment highlights the fundamental challenge: unlike characters like James Bond, who is designed to be played by multiple actors, the identity of Indiana Jones is deeply intertwined with Ford's unique blend of gruffness, humor, and vulnerability.

The divisive reaction to the character Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), who was rumored before Dial of Destiny to potentially take over the mantle, demonstrated the audience's reluctance to accept a direct successor, reinforcing the idea that a full reboot with a new face is the more likely path forward.

Lucasfilm must decide whether the new project will be a true reboot, a prequel, or a continuation with a new lead, a decision that will determine whether they seek an actor to replicate Ford's style or one who can redefine the character entirely.

Beyond the Whip: The Future of the Indiana Jones IP

While the focus remains on the titular hero, the future of the Indiana Jones intellectual property (IP) is likely to involve more than just a single film casting.

The success of the franchise will depend on a cohesive vision from Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and the selection of a strong creative team, including a director and writer capable of capturing the spirit of the original George Lucas and Steven Spielberg adventures.

The new era of Indiana Jones will inevitably face comparisons to other adventure franchises, but the current "calculated pause" suggests Disney is aware of the immense pressure and is taking its time to ensure the next casting decision is not just popular, but truly legendary.