Harrison Ford has come to the defence of the de-ageing technology used in the upcoming fifth instalment in the Indiana Jones series: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
The film drew criticism from reviewers over its application of the technology, with many wondering why the studio hadn’t opted to instead support younger actors and cast them in the role, while others simply questioned the “believability” of the tech.
But Ford, who has been the face of Indiana Jones since the professor’s first film in 1981, is having none of that. During a press conference at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the actor moved to silence critics, telling them “I know that that is my face.
“It’s not a kind of Photoshop magic – that’s what I looked like 35 years ago. Because Lucasfilm has every frame of film that we’ve made together over all of these years.
“This process, this scientific mining of this library, this was put to good [use] … It’s just a trick unless it’s supported by a story, and it sticks out like a sore thumb if it’s not honest, it’s not real… I mean, emotionally real.
“And so I think it was used very skillfully.”
And for those concerned that the 80-year-old’s take might carry across into his stance on the process of ageing itself, he was quick to note that when it comes to growing older, he is “very happy with it, but I don’t look back and say, ‘I wish I was that guy again,’ because I don’t.
“I’m real happy with age. I love being older. It was great to be young, but s***fire I could be dead, and I’m still working.”
Despite this, Ford has confirmed that this film will be the last time fans can expect to see him in the iconic role, and he’ll be hanging up Jones’ hat for good.
And when asked why, Ford’s answer was simple, with the actor confessing “I need to sit down and rest a little bit. I love to work, and I love this character, and I love what it brought into my life, and that’s all I can say.”
Fans of the star and the franchise have come out in support of his decision, most recently during a standing ovation at the same festival he’d spoken at – applause that had moved Ford to tears.
Harrison Ford with tears in his eyes during the standing ovation for ‘INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY’. pic.twitter.com/mJtRv4wLKk
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 18, 2023
However, as one user pointed out, that didn’t necessarily mean smooth sailing for fans, with the fifth film likely to get them talking – de-ageing technology aside.
“Oh my god. no bc if HE is crying it means the movie is really gonna be something special,” one wrote. “i’m gonna be sick”.
“Thanks for the last adventure,” another said. “Surreal that this moment in cinema is here. The last time we will ever get an Indiana Jones film with Harrison Ford.”
And as someone else put it, “seeing him get emotional for getting praise for a role that he loves so dearly has me emotional too.”
“And there is proof Harrison Ford loves what he does,” one other declared. “A proper movie star who just wants to act. That’s genuine pride.”
Images: Lucas Film Ltd
This article first appeared on Over60.