Despite the overall love of the Indiana Jones franchise, a recent report suggests that the latest film was a major letdown for Disney.
According to financial statements released on Friday (via Forbes), Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny spent $134.2 million more on making the movie than it it is reported to have earned back. This makes the film a significant failure in terms profitable returns.
Some of the filings for the film also reveal what went into making the project, including a whopping $79 million that was spent on post-production work, including digitally de-aging Ford. By April 2023, the film’s budget had ballooned to $387.2 million, which unfortunately was just about the same as to what the film earned at the box office globally ($384 million).
What is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny about?
“Daredevil archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history,” reads the movie’s synopsis. “Accompanied by his goddaughter, he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA.”
The long-awaited fifth and final installment was directed by Oscar nominee James Mangold (Logan) from a new screenplay he co-wrote with Jez and John-Henry Butterworth; both previously collaborated on Ford v Ferrari. Mangold took over the director’s chair after Steven Spielberg exited his directorial duties for the film.
Joining Harrison Ford in his final adventure as Indiana Jones are Golden Globe winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Helena Shaw, Antonio Banderas as Renaldo, Mads Mikkelsen as Jürgen Voller, Thomas Kretschmann as Colonel Weber, Boyd Holbrook as Klaber, Shaunette Renée Wilson as Mason, and Toby Jones as Basil Shaw. Franchise vet John Rhys-Davies also returns as Sallah.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is available now on Disney+.
