“It’s not the years,” Indiana Jones tells Marion during a love scene in “Raiders of the Lost Ark. “It’s the mileage.”
Forget both. Approximately 27 years after he first exploded onto the big screen, Indy’s wound up right where he started – or, rather, right where he first ended – in this exclusive photo from “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” which seems to show the world’s most famous archeologist at the government warehouse from “Raiders,” presumably to once again find the Ark (see Lucas compare “Crystal Skulls” to “Raiders” here).
And that, frankly, is baffling. Not from the perspective of overall narrative (cough) arc (cough) – it would be kind of cool, after all, for things to end where they began – but from a question of “how does it fit into the story of THIS movie?”
Within the continuity of the series, remember, God is real. He left artifacts. They work. Will the Ark be the only instrument capable of destroying whatever new threat arises (aliens, Soviets, skulls, etc)? Will something IN the Ark (The Ten Commandments, the Rod of Aaron, Manna from the Israelite trek) be of use to Indy in his quest? More likely, will Indy seek it out merely to protect it from falling into the hands of the villainess Cate Blanchett?
Choose wisely: even the folks at Harvard are still baffled as to what the true power of the crystal skulls are.
No time for love, Dr. Jones – but plenty of time for speculation. What do you make of Indy returning to the warehouse? Why does he need the Ark? What other secrets might he find within? Sound off below.
February 1st, 2008 at 4:05 pm
say, I think that Indy wants to save some stuff so that he can put them on Ebay.. definitely worth a lot..
February 1st, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Ford still looks amazing as Indiana Jones. This movie is definitely on my must see list.
February 1st, 2008 at 5:58 pm
The ark will be used as a power source to activate the pyramid turning it into a spaceship.
February 1st, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Harvard! PUH-LEASE! Indy 4 was filmed at YALE in New Haven not Harvard! It all makes sense in Raiders the Ark was a radio to “speak with God”. To ancient Hebrews and Egyptians, aliens would appear to be “gods” - hence the connection to Indy 4’s new quest. It all makes sense now - that is why R2 and C-3PO are hieroglyphics in the Well of the Souls in “Raiders” - just wait until Shia drags race with Bob Falfa in the end of the new movie!
February 1st, 2008 at 7:11 pm
OMG!!! Can’t wait. how old is he? He looks great!!
February 1st, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I seem to remember that was a VERY large warehouse in the end of Raiders, and that there wasn’t just one crate in it… what’s to say that Indy is actually after the Ark? From what I have read, the film actually opens with a chase through the warehouse, with Indy emerging with a crate marked “Roswell.” This would make more sense, seeing how there has already been mention in several reports of there being an “alien connection” in regard to the Crystal Skulls. Maybe in the “Extra Super de Dooper Special Edition of Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, we will see a digital Indy debarking the mothership as Richard Dreyfuss clambers aboard…
February 1st, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I happen to know alot about these Crystal skulls. It’s been a hobby of mine for about 5 years now and there is truth to these skulls! so when i heard that Indy would be looking for these in the latest movie i freaked out. i work for a company that wants to be anonomous but Crystal skulls are objects made of polished rock crystal or other minerals which have the form of a dead person’s skull.Some crystal skulls are in famous museums all over the world and in private property. Researchers intensely deal with the investigation of different relics and artefacts from all historical or archaeological epochs which can be either a dead person’s skull or crystal skull.Many myths and stories exist about crystal skulls and their production or origin. There are different theories about the use of skulls in all religious directions or groupings. The cult of dead person’s skulls is found worldwide in South America, as well as in the European culture. In Europe this cult from the celtic past has also continued in the use of the relics in the catholic church. The so-called head relics are revered in churches and also in the collections of Vatican even today.Crystal skulls were discovered in the past mainly in South America. So far the production way and the authenticity of the objects is controversial discussed, because some researchers are assuming that there have been lapidaries who may have faked the artefacts. The search with regard to the authenticity of these special relics is very difficult, because the rock crystal from they are created cannot be age determinatied with traditional methods.The outer form of the crystal skull is a little frightening for many people, because they remind in their figure of the form of a skeleton and cause thus to the subconscious fears of the death. Besides this, many people are not aware that there are many traditions and rites of the past as well as the today’s presence which covers the fact that such relics are not to be misinterpreted negatively. In the tradition heads or skulls are shown in the most different historical mentions as a seer or as supporting objects. So there are famous stories found like the legend of Isis in old Egypt which questions the head of the Osris, as well as several fairy tales and fables which report again and again about the good actions, the prophecies of heads or skulls.Even the Ark of the Covenant is mentioned in form of different skulls in the historical writings of Sohar and Tabula Smaragdina. In the cultural past of the mankind many of such skulls were used as a rescuer or as especialy protectors. So, for example, in the historical story of the holy Bran whose skull is to be found still today under the Tower by London. The holy Bran was the blest ancestor of the English royal family and is reputed to be the protector of England until today. This skull had also prophesying abilities and enjoys worldwide attention as the adviser and protector of England. Relics or objects looking like death heads are absolutely positive symbols of special protection and strength in contrast to the believe of some fearing people.
February 1st, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Wow… this new picture looks GREAT! I am looking forward to this movie SO MUCH… i growed up with the first three films and, to me, this film is the most important one to me ever… i hope that I (and all other fans) will not be dissapointed…
As I am a fan, i made five self-portrait-photos as Indiana Jones
Maybe you like them… you can find them on my personal website (i linked it in the field “Website”, hope you can click on it)… 
Greets from germany to all Indy-Fans! I am with you and wish the day of the premiere would already be tomorrow
February 1st, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Yeah, everyone knows the movie was filmed at Yale and not Harvard. Also, for everything you seem to know about crystal skulls, Roy, why not try looking up the proper spelling of “artifact” and about twenty other words. Let’s hope the script to Indy 4 is more coherent than your post.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:19 pm
wow Harrison looks great this movie will rock
February 1st, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Wow this movie looks awesome but to be perfectly honest I think they shouldn’t bring back the ark or even go to the warehouse, cause at the end of raiders where you see the ark being borded up and you see the whole warehouse It gave you a feeling that made you shiver and gave you some imagination to the mystery of what became of the ark and whats in the other crates and if they do reveal the ark and/or lost items in the warehouse, I might never feel the same about the ending scene ever again
February 1st, 2008 at 11:10 pm
In response to Sean’s post “Yeah, everyone knows the movie was filmed at Yale and not Harvard”, that is not even true. Not everyone knows where the movie was filmed. Anyway I cannot wait for this movie. I loved the first three and have been waiting for this movie ever since I saw Harrison Ford on a tv thing about probably 7-8 years ago and he was asked “Will there be an Indiana Jones IV?” and he said “Yes”. Now finally it’s here on May 22 2008.
February 1st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I have been a lifelong fan and I am trying to think of ways to contain myself from total melt-down due to how excited I am going to be the night it opens.
Really, I think this will easily be the best movie of the year, if not the decade.
So hats off to Spielberg, Harrison, Lucas, and the rest of the team for bringing real adventure back to the big screen.
Be there…
May 22, 2008
February 2nd, 2008 at 1:24 am
Why assume he’s back for the Ark? What else could be buried among the other thousands of wooden crates? Another artifact that may hold a key to the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? A cameo of the crate that holds the Ark would be a nice touch and could be used to add some humor to the scene, but let’s leave it at that and move on. Been there done that.
February 2nd, 2008 at 2:15 am
kinda like the arc sketch under the library in Last Crusade
February 2nd, 2008 at 2:20 am
who cares where it was filmed. geezer alert. you people make me sick. get a life. whatever!
February 2nd, 2008 at 3:30 am
I bet there’s a dead ?*#%@? in that crate.
February 2nd, 2008 at 3:33 am
I shure all this has something to do with atlantis. I realy hope they took some of the gamestory from the early nineties. Because in the game he also goes to a inca temple in south america and the skulls are the artifacts to locate the hidden city. I do not know what role the ark plays in this story but it could mean anything. Whatever it is I`m shure it will be gigantic. I just hope for Atlantis. It`s one of the biggest secrets and myths since thousands of years. What could be better folks? Take care!
February 2nd, 2008 at 6:20 am
It belongs in a museum!!!
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:38 am
I broke my own personal record of 14 years when I went to the cinema to see Episode III Revenge of the Sith 5 times. On the evidence of this picture where Indy visits the warehouse last seen in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark,this is already a master stroke of invention. But on the nostalgia that this picture alone creates, I’m going to watch this movie 6 times for sure. After all, if there’s one movie that deserves the honour of breaking the Sith record, it must be Indy.
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:42 am
This is off subject, but take a look at the “Taco Fu” ad in the upper left of this page. Why does the figure on the left appear to be kicking a pregnant woman in the head?
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:46 am
Hmmm..it’s not there now. Must have been a rotating ad. If you didn’t see it I apologize for the weird response.
February 2nd, 2008 at 11:16 am
Grandpa? is that you?–They should have made this movie ten years ago.
February 2nd, 2008 at 11:59 am
I think its brilliant, the movie is right on time actually. Plus, the script fits to Harrison’s age so calling him “grandpa” is ludicrous. I’m just so happy that they are tying up the the first movie with the fourth one.
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I think this is Amazing! Can’t wait to see this movie! I’m so excited! I just hope there is as much action in this new one as there was in the previous Indiana Jones movies.
February 2nd, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I was gonna suggest it has to do with the intro. We know Indy’s pretty obsessive in his quests (see Last Crusade intro), so maybe he’s been searching on the side for all these years.
February 2nd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
he looks soooo ready for action its as if he never was anybody but indy ,i cant wait !!!
February 2nd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
il est de retour et il va faire mal!!!go indy
February 2nd, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Wunderbar!
February 2nd, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I don’t know why people are just starting to observe this now, I’ve been saying something about this since the release of Vanity Fair because if anybody bothered to observe where the photo of Karen Allen and Shia LeBeouf was taken, they’d see it was in the government warehouse.
February 2nd, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Nagyon szerettem mind a harom filmjet
amit,most nezett az unokam.
February 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 pm
I highly doubt the Ark has anything to do with the film other then part of the films story takes place at the warehouse where the ark’s stored. I have a hunch either the Skull was stored at the warehouse and Indy’s there to retrieve it or its already been stolen and he’s there investigating its disappearance. Either way, I guess will find out in may!
February 3rd, 2008 at 6:24 am
I wish people would stop saying his to old!!!!
That’s just plan stupid!!
The above picture says it all, so he looks older, but he still looks great!!!, indy is back!!
February 3rd, 2008 at 7:06 am
I’m just impressed that this writer knew what was actually in the Ark of the Covenant! Kudos for doing your homework.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:20 am
Excuse me…”Within the continuity of the series, remember, God is real.”
Are you suggesting that God is *not* real?
Hmm…very intolerant and insensitive.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
As a writer myself, it is possible the Ark does not appear in the movie at all, merely the warehouse. Remember, Indy doesn’t know what happened to the Ark, maybe he stumbles on to the warehouse for a completely unrelated reason, and only the audience is in on the joke. It’s a writer’s touch that serves to add frustration and intrigue to the audience, making us jump out of our seats and yell, “Indy, look over there!”
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:42 am
The Joke is, he’s searching for something different.
He’ll nearly stumble over the box with the arc, but doesn’t notice, how near he is to his greatest discovery.
February 3rd, 2008 at 11:19 am
“Within the continuity of the series”, Temple of Doom happens before Raiders. FYI
February 3rd, 2008 at 12:16 pm
arby_ter, you’re wrong. In this reality, god is imaginary. How dare you threaten us with your unreasonable mysticism?
February 3rd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Hey friendzbook, don’t make an idiotic, arrogant post like that when you have a site doomed for failure. Come on, there are so many networking sites out there, why the hell would anyone go to “friendzbook”? OMG, you have no shame, you are ripping the name off of facebook.
February 3rd, 2008 at 4:52 pm
It’s possible the Ark will not be in the movie, but it seems kind of stupid to recreate the warehouse set just to get a chuckle from the audience. There are better ways to use time and money.
February 3rd, 2008 at 5:02 pm
arby_ter Says:
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:20 am
Are you suggesting that God is *not* real?
Hmm…very intolerant and insensitive.
——————————————
Regarding the above post, you are taking what the author (Shawn Adler) wrote - far too literally.
In the Indiana Jones films - GOD is, by definition - “real.” There is no speculation of this, because we actually see the magic of the Ark and the Holy Grail ‘on film.’ They are handled as if they physically exist and have supernatural properties. The mythology of God - in the Biblical sense, is very much an integral part of the mystery and magic imbedded in the Indiana Jones saga. In ‘reality’ however, these items, as far as we know, do not actually exist - and whether they do or do not - is still up for debate. No offence Arby, but - just because you have an issue with someone loosely commenting about God, doesn’t mean you have to feel violated. I don’t think God, if he ‘really is’ a personified spirit, would want you to be so petty, or narrow-minded. Nor would he want you to go out into the world looking to start conflict. Be proud of what you believe, but don’t forget to have compassion for those who do not share your own viewpoint. Please don’t come into a PUBLIC forum (about a fictitious character) and pass judgement. If you want to target Adler for sounding “intolerant” and “insensitive” - I think you may need to go to Church more often to work out some of that anger with your Pastor.
The man with the hat is back! So, let’s have fun shall we? ‘Cause in the end, that’s what audience films, such as Crystal Skull are for.
“Only the penitent man shall pass.” - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
s.
February 3rd, 2008 at 6:33 pm
God is real. in real life, not just in the movies. duh. buncha idiots who say He doesnt exist, get outta here. Speilberg is Jewish, and he believes it too. im a Christian but i believe it too.
anyways, the pic is awsome, as someone else stated, its like he never left. very cool, my anticipation for this film is growing, and it comes out ON MY BIRTHDAY!!!
February 3rd, 2008 at 8:12 pm
“Excuse me…”Within the continuity of the series, remember, God is real.”
Are you suggesting that God is *not* real?
Hmm…very intolerant and insensitive.”
No, it’s neither intolerant or insensitive, just logical.
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
There is a very good little book: “The Mystery of the Crystal Skulls” by Chris Morton, and Ceri Louise Thomas. You can read it in a weekend.
You will find that the Ark of the Covenant of the Hebrews is not the “first” ark, it is a copy.
The original “Ark of Osiriaconwiya” with it’s 13 original “Singing Crystal Skulls” predates it, and this figures heavily in the sacred teachings of the Maya, and other Native American Tribes.
Correct, that is a reference to Osiris. And the Ark is essential to the intent of the Singing Crystal Skulls.
And I will not spoil any more of it for you. Welcome to the Age of Aquarius.
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I don’t know about this. Whenever filmmakers get too self-referential it can a problem – like they’ve forgot to think of new things. Think about the first time you saw the new Deathstar in ROTJ, and thought hey that’s cool they built another one. And then, on second thought you said, couldn’t they come up with something better???
February 3rd, 2008 at 11:41 pm
This movie will be great for the Indiana Jones fans. The series will have it’s, never say never, well, probably final scene for a long time. Spielberg and George one of the two greatest directors and producers and even creators of our generation will be very well respected. All of the world on Thursday May 22, 2008 the fans will have a fourth glimpse of a some what older Indy, with a somewhat familiar theme song.
February 4th, 2008 at 6:41 am
this movie will be the first chapter of a new science-fiction b-movie indy trilogy:
1 crystal skulls
2 giza pyramids/space time- travel
3 atlantis
February 4th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Yah Simon…that’s hardly insensitive. The writer is just being realistic within the bounds of what you can and can not prove. As a journalistic type you on doing a news piece with facts can’t just put out perceived facts. Having evidence can be a real b***h at times.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:42 am
the pic reveals alot, the search for the crystall skull by the soviet was just a device by the soviets to get into the govt warehouse, where all the secets of the US govt can be obtained and used against the US govt.