Part 9/10:
The film's rough reception at Cannes echoes a larger pattern of Hollywood blockbuster risk-taking in recent years, where grueling budgets and franchise fatigue clash with storytelling quality. The fact that the film was directed by James Mangold, and stars Harrison Ford, suggests a project with high pedigree; yet, the trailers’ tone and early reactions hint at a disconnect between expectation and delivery.
This discouraging start is especially significant for Disney and Lucasfilm, who are relying on Indiana Jones to be a lucrative swan song for Ford, as well as a reaffirmation of their stewardship of beloved franchises. However, with critics and audiences raising doubts, the film's box office performance and long-term legacy hang in the balance.