With Indiana Jones 5 having long now been ‘a thing’, there’s an update on the project to say that Steven Spielberg will not be directing.

Previously, Spielberg – who has helmed all four previous Indy pictures – was returning to direct the picture, with Harrison Ford back in the saddle as Dr Henry Walton Jones Jr. Now though, Variety is reporting that Spielberg has opted to step down from directing the film.

It’s said that Disney and Lucasfilm already have a prime candidate lined up to replace the legendary Spielberg – and that person is James Mangold.

Mangold – who most recently directed the Oscar-nommed Ford v Ferrari and has The Wolverine and the stunning Logan on his credits – is said to be in talks to fill Indiana Jones 5’ Steven Spielberg-shaped hole.

Despite not directing Indy 5, Spielberg will still be involved in the project in a producer capacity. And to make it clear, the choice to not direct the movie was entirely Spielberg’s. Supposedly, the filmmaker wanted to pass the torch to a younger director to bring their perspective to the franchise.

In a recent interview with Harrison Ford, not only did he confirm that he would be returning to crack the whip once more, but he revealed that filming on Indy 5 is due to start in April or May of this year. Given these ongoing director changes, it remains to be seen whether or not those plans will still be stuck to.

At present, Indiana Jones 5 is set for a July 2021 release.