Lucasfilm’s Scrapped Indiana Jones Quests: Kennedy’s Cancellations Crack the Whip on Franchise Dreams

Lucasfilm canceled several Indiana Jones television projects during Kathleen Kennedy‘s tenure, including an animated series and a live-action spinoff, as the studio shifted focus amid box office setbacks and leadership changes. These developments came to light following Kennedy’s departure from the presidency in January 2026. The moves highlight challenges in expanding the iconic adventure series beyond its cinematic roots.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• Kathleen Kennedy stepped down as Lucasfilm president on January 15, 2026, after 14 years, handing reins to Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan.

• Two main Indiana Jones TV projects were scrapped: an animated series codenamed “Reggie” and a live-action series centered on Abner Ravenwood.

• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) underperformed, grossing $384 million against a budget exceeding $350 million, influencing the cancellations.

• Kennedy stated in her exit interview that Indy “will never be done,” but no one at Lucasfilm is currently interested in new explorations.

• The 2024 video game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle succeeded critically, offering a bright spot for the franchise.

What Animated Indiana Jones Series Did Lucasfilm Develop Under Kathleen Kennedy?

Lucasfilm explored an animated Indiana Jones series directed by Rodrigo Blaas, known for his work on Star Wars: Visions. Internally nicknamed “Reggie” after the pet snake from the opening of Raiders of the Lost Ark, the project aimed to fill gaps between the original trilogy films with fresh adventures for the fedora-wearing archaeologist.

Development halted before production, likely tied to broader studio priorities. Actor Griffin Newman shared on his podcast Blank Check with Griffin and David that he auditioned for what he believed was this series, described as a Disney+ animated take styled after River Phoenix‘s young Indy portrayal rather than the earlier The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. Newman noted the audition used placeholder names but involved university settings and relic-hunting themes, with Lucasfilm masking it as an “Untitled Star Wars Project” to avoid leaks.

Why Was the Abner Ravenwood Live-Action Series Canceled?

In 2022, Lucasfilm began developing a live-action series focused on Abner Ravenwood, Indy’s mentor and father to Marion Ravenwood from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The show would have delved into Ravenwood’s world, potentially exploring his archaeological exploits and backstory, which remains largely unseen in the films.

The project never advanced past early stages and was shelved before the 2023 release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Reports suggest Disney’s then-CEO Bob Chapek pushed for streaming content, but his ouster and Bob Iger‘s return led to a reevaluation of non-core projects. With Lucasfilm redirecting resources toward Star Wars, the Ravenwood series joined other abandoned ideas.

How Did Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Impact Future Projects?

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, directed by James Mangold and starring Harrison Ford, earned $384 million worldwide on a budget reported between $295 million and $400 million, marking it as a financial disappointment. The film premiered at Cannes to mixed reviews and faced audience fatigue, contributing to losses estimated well beyond initial projections.

Kennedy defended the movie in her Deadline exit interview, noting Ford’s strong desire to reprise the role after Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. She emphasized no regrets, as it fulfilled the actor’s wish for a proper send-off. However, the underperformance likely sealed the fate of the TV expansions, signaling caution in investing further without clear demand.

What Other Indiana Jones Ideas Surfaced Around This Time?

Beyond the main scrapped series, whispers of additional concepts emerged. Newman’s podcast anecdote points to at least one more animated pitch in play, possibly overlapping with Blaas’s effort. Lucasfilm’s history under Kennedy includes similar pivots, like director changes on Star Wars films, reflecting a pattern of starting ambitious projects only to pull back.

The franchise did see success elsewhere. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, a 2024 video game from MachineGames and Bethesda, received strong reviews for its immersive storytelling and gameplay echoing the films’ puzzle-solving and action. It grossed well and reignited fan interest, proving Indy thrives in interactive formats.

Did Leadership Changes at Disney and Lucasfilm Play a Role in the Cancellations?

Disney’s executive shifts heavily influenced Lucasfilm’s decisions. Under Chapek, the company ramped up Disney+ content, greenlighting ideas like the Ravenwood series. Iger’s 2022 return prompted cost-cutting and a focus on proven hits, putting peripheral projects on ice.

Kennedy’s 14-year run ended with her transitioning to producing, including upcoming Star Wars films like The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 2026). In her StarWars.com statement, she expressed pride in the team’s work but acknowledged the evolving landscape. Dave Filoni, a George Lucas protégé, now leads creatively, potentially steering toward more unified storytelling.

What Does Kathleen Kennedy Say About the Future of Indiana Jones?

Kennedy addressed Indy’s legacy directly in her Deadline interview. “I don’t think Indy will ever be done, but I don’t think anybody is interested right now in exploring it,” she said. “But these are timeless movies, and Indy will never be done.”

This leaves the door ajar for revivals, perhaps in animation or games, but signals a pause. Ford, now 83, has retired from the role, shifting any future to recasts or prequels—options that divided fans in the past.

Lucasfilm’s cancellations reflect a broader industry trend: franchises must justify expansion amid streaming saturation and box office risks. While Dial of Destiny closed Ford’s chapter, the scrapped series represent missed opportunities to bridge generations with Indy’s whip-cracking spirit. As Filoni takes charge, fans hope for thoughtful revivals that honor the originals without forcing sequels. For now, the artifacts stay buried, waiting for the right explorer to dig them up.

Hat Tips

• The Wrap, “Kathleen Kennedy’s Lucasfilm Legacy: A Galaxy in Disarray | Analysis,” January 2026

• Deadline, “A Shift In The Force For Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy: The Exit Interview,” January 2026

• StarWars.com, “Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney Studios Announce Leadership Transition,” January 15, 2026

• Bleeding Fool, “Kathleen Kennedy Scrapped Multiple Indiana Jones Adventures,” January 21, 2026

• Blank Check with Griffin and David podcast, episode on Indiana Jones series, March 2025