When Indiana Jones 5 was announced, fans had high hopes, especially with James Mangold directing and Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role as the adventurous archeologist and professor. However, the film ultimately disappointed, leaving a sour taste among audiences. Recently, excitement surged again with the release of a Super Bowl ad featuring Ford, directed by James Mangold. Fans are now speculating that the lackluster performance of Dial of Destiny may not be entirely attributed to the director’s talent.
Super Bowl advertisements are highly coveted, with companies investing millions for just 30 to 60 seconds of airtime. Ford’s appearance in a Jeep ad, helmed by Mangold, is distinctive from typical commercials. Unlike the usual high-energy spots, this ad is narrative-driven and calm, featuring deep commentary from Ford. He reflects on life, stating, “The most sacred thing in life isn’t the path, it’s the freedom to choose it.” He goes on to share a thoughtful observation: “You don’t have to be friends with someone to wave at them. We won’t always agree on which way to go, but our differences can be our strength.”
Fans have responded positively, appreciating the ad’s artistic direction and heartfelt message. The ad closes with humor, as Ford quips about his name, saying, “This Jeep makes me happy, even though my name is [whispers] Ford.” It delivers an uplifting call to “write your own manual,” resonating deeply with viewers.
Previously, Mangold and Ford worked together on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which was a significant commercial failure. Despite grossing $383 million worldwide, it just barely covered its production budget of $387 million. The film currently holds a 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, although many fans and critics agree it didn’t capture the magic of earlier entries in the franchise.
The trending Super Bowl ad has prompted discussions among fans, who suggest that perhaps the real issue behind the failure of Dial of Destiny lies with Disney’s interference. Comments online highlight this perspective, with one user noting, “It was done better than the Indy movie they did together. Probably because Mangold actually had creative control here.” This sentiment is echoed throughout social media, with enthusiastic fans saying things like, “James Mangold finally got some creative freedom,” and praising the ad as superior to the film.
As audiences continue to reflect on the misfires of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Ford remains unfazed. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, he commented on the nature of filmmaking, acknowledging that “sometimes misfires happen.” However, he expressed satisfaction in reprising the beloved character of Indy, stating he was happy to showcase how the character’s journey turned out.
The impact of this debate surrounding James Mangold and the Super Bowl ad suggests a shift in perception regarding his creative control. Fans are linking the quality of the Jeep advertisement with a potential liberation of Mangold’s artistic vision, contrasting it sharply with the constraints of the Indiana Jones film. As the ongoing discourse unfolds, it opens questions about the role of creative freedom in successful filmmaking. With streaming available now for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny on Disney+, viewers will continue to compare the two experiences, fueling further discussions about artistry and control in the film industry.
