Harrison Ford is putting on the fedora and whip again as he prepares to return as Indiana Jones in a new Disney project.
Disney announced Friday at the eventful D23 convention in Anaheim, California, that the lead of the iconic action series will participate in the new themed ride at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom park.
Ford, 84, revealed to fans in a pre-taped video message at the convention that he is the “actual model” for the animatronic robot featured on Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, which is currently under construction.
“I’m excited for you to see his next epic adventure,” the Oscar-nominated actor said. “I’m coming to Walt Disney World soon.”
This is the first time that Ford’s likeness will be used in an Indiana Jones attraction at the Disney parks. It is unclear if he will lend his voice to the ride.
open image in galleryThe new attraction will be at the site of the former Dinoland, U.S.A. ride, which was previously inspired by the 2000 movie Dinosaur. Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro (who was the Disney Parks head at the time) announced at D23 in 2024 that it would be replaced with an Indiana Jones theme.
Riders will follow Indy as he explores the ruins of an ancient Mayan temple protected by Tsukán, the titular Jade Serpent — meaning he will be forced to confront his biggest fear of snakes.
Friday’s panelists revealed that riders can expect to be sucked into the underworld with Indy before a thrilling escape. Disney worked with Maya archaeology and anthropology experts to accurately portray the culture in the ride.
A specific opening date for the ride has not yet been announced. The Independent has reached out to Disney World for more information.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day
New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
open image in galleryThe ride is just one of Animal Kingdom’s expansion into the Tropical Americas in the entire area that used to be Dinoland, U.S.A.
New additions will include an indoor ride inspired by 2021 animated hit Encanto and a carousel inspired by the El Carrusel de los Animalitos, which will feature characters from the Disney and Pixar universes.
The Tropical Americas area is expected to open sometime in 2027.
Ford has played Indiana Jones for over four decades, starting with his debut in Raiders of the Lost Ark in June 1981.
While the ride celebrates the beloved character, the long-running franchise will not be returning to cinemas anytime soon after the 2023 film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was a box office failure for Disney and Lucasfilm.
Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy told Deadline in an interview earlier this year that reviving the series is highly unlikely.
“I don’t think Indy will ever be done, but I don’t think anybody is interested right now in exploring it,” she told the outlet.