Harrison Ford Surprises Fans With New Indiana Jones Announcement at 84

ORLANDO, Fla. — Harrison Ford is putting on the fedora once again — but this time, Indiana Jones is coming back in a very different form.

At 84, Ford announced that he will serve as the model for a new Indiana Jones animatronic featured in Walt Disney World’s upcoming attraction, Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent.

Ford revealed the news through a prerecorded message shown at Disney’s D23 fan event, where he teased another adventure for the legendary archaeologist.

                    “Soon it’ll be time for his next ride,” Ford said in the message.”

The new attraction is planned for Animal Kingdom, giving fans another opportunity to experience the character Ford has portrayed for more than four decades.

Ford Remains the Face of Indiana Jones

Ford first stepped into the role in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark, beginning a franchise that would become one of the defining action-adventure series in Hollywood.

He subsequently returned for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and, most recently, 2023’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

Across five films, Ford helped make Indiana Jones one of cinema’s most recognizable characters.

The franchise has generated more than $2.3 billion worldwide, although Dial of Destiny struggled commercially after its release.

Fans React Emotionally

Ford’s announcement quickly generated excitement among Disney and Indiana Jones fans.

Many fans praised the decision to use Ford himself as the model for the attraction, saying it would allow his version of Indiana Jones to remain part of the Disney experience for years to come.

Some fans also described the announcement as an emotional tribute to Ford’s decades-long connection with the character.

The new animatronic is particularly significant because it will be based directly on Ford rather than simply creating another generic version of Indiana Jones.

A Career That Shows No Signs of Slowing

Ford’s return to the Indiana Jones world comes during another major milestone in his extraordinary career.

Earlier this year, he received the 2026 SAG Life Achievement Award, honoring his roughly seven decades in the entertainment industry.

During his acceptance speech, Ford joked about receiving a lifetime achievement award while still considering himself a working actor.

The actor has previously spoken about struggling for many years before landing the roles that ultimately made him a Hollywood star.

In addition to Indiana Jones, Ford is famous for playing Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise and has remained active in film and television well into his 80s.

Indiana Jones Isn’t Going Away

Ford’s latest announcement does not represent a new Indiana Jones movie. Instead, it gives the character a new home inside Disney’s theme-park universe.

For longtime fans, however, seeing Ford’s likeness return as Indiana Jones is likely to carry plenty of nostalgia.

After more than 40 years, the fedora, whip and adventurous spirit of Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones are still finding new ways to live on.