What Is Antonio Banderas' Role In Indiana Jones 5?
"Indiana Jones 5" is shaping up to be quite the return for everyone's favorite professor-turned-treasure-hunter. With Harrison Ford set to reprise his iconic role for the first time since 2008's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," the still-untitled fifth installment will be the last portrayal of the character, according to the actor (via The Hollywood Reporter). "Logan" director James Mangold is taking the reins from legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who is taking on a producer role. Set in 1969, "Indiana Jones 5" will focus on an older Jones during the Space Race between the United States and the USSR. The archaeologist starts to doubt his country's government after they recruit former Nazis into NASA in a desperate move to reach the moon first (via Empire).
Lucasfilm is keeping most of the plot details under wraps, only revealing a general synopsis to the media. Phoebe Waller-Bridge ("Fleabag") stars alongside Ford as Jones' goddaughter Helena. Mads Mikkelsen ("Hannibal") is the latest A-lister to take on the globe-trotting hero, playing the villainous Voller, with Boyd Holbrook ("Narcos") portraying his sidekick Klaber. John Rhys-Davis ("The Lord of the Rings") reprises his role as Sallah, while Toby Jones ("Infamous") and Shaunette Renée Wilson ("The Resident") play Basil and Mason, respectively. Actors signed on with as-of-yet undisclosed roles, include Dutch bodybuilder Olivier Richters, Thomas Kretschmann ("Avengers: Age of Ultron"), and Antonio Banderas ("The Mask of Zorro"). However, while no specifics have been announced for Banderas' role, the actor may have let some information slip regarding his character in "Indiana Jones 5."
Banderas' role in Indiana Jones 5 is reportedly much smaller than expected
Antonio Banderas is currently making the rounds to numerous media outlets for the "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" press tour. While the animated sequel releases this December, it didn't take long for someone to ask the actor about his role in the upcoming "Indiana Jones 5." Fans usually see actors playing coy, refusing to give up any tangible information regarding their character, but Banderas gave quite a bit away.
In an interview with Collider, Banderas stated, "My character is very little; it's almost a cameo. He's just a friend of Indiana's character, and he's looking for him because he needs something from his friend. But he just takes up very little time of the movie, but very happy to be part of a saga that is of the history of motion pictures, obviously." From the sound of it, the Spanish actor will be the next actor to portray an ally of Dr. Jones, with a quick appearance in the sequel.
Banderas adds yet another character to Indy's impressive lineup of friends. Jim Broadbent played Charles Stanforth in "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," while John Rhys-Davies portrayed Sallah in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "The Last Crusade." While many fans expected Banderas to have a more significant role in the movie, playing a friend of the archaeologist has become an iconic role in the series.
"Indiana Jones 5" premieres in theaters on June 30, 2023.