Frank Darabont Disappointed To Be Denied Writing Credit for Indiana Jones 4
As you may know, the fourth Indiana Jones movie is a project that had been rumoured for many years, but encountered a lot of false starts and took a long time to get off the ground. Back in 2004, Frank Darabont had been working very closely with Steven Spielberg to write the script for what would eventually become Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. In the end, however, the script was basically thrown out because George Lucas didn’t like it. The latest version of the movie (the one that will hit screens this May) was written by David Koepp (Spider-Man, Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds), with some story assistance from Lucas. There was speculation that Darabont may still end up getting a writing credit on the film because they had preserved a handful of his original ideas, but with the movie less than two months away, it’s looking like this won’t be the case after all. Darabont is understandably disappointed.
“I know there are some common elements to what I gave Steven and what was eventually shot, but I guess not enough to warrant credit. It’s clearly a disappointment, especially after Steven loved my script.” Darabont insists that he doesn’t hold any grudges or ill will, and says that he will definitely work with Spielberg again. However, when the subject turns to collaborating with George Lucas, we hear a different story. “Honestly our storytelling sensibilities have diverged to the point where that would be a pointless exercise”. Oh snap! To be honest, if I had to choose between George Lucas and Frank Darabont to write a script, at this point I’d go with Darabont hands down. The fact that Darabont’s vision was dropped in favour of Lucas does seem a little worrisome, although in the end I don’t know if it will hurt the movie much. What do you think, did Darabont get the shaft on Indy 4?
Comments (7)
Hmmm I guess the WGA (something about Canada if I trust Southpark) would have pretty clear rules about credit so the concern seems kind of moot. I’m really curious if Darabont is a better storyteller what has he written on his own? He’s adapted a handful of Steven King things but Lucas (prequels aside) has developed some great stories from THX and American Grafitti to Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark. I’m staying optimistic about this one for now and probably for years after the inevitale net hate too.
Posted by Ian on April 3rd, 2008Darabont is a genius, Lucas has become insane and painfully campy. He should get a writing credit still. As far as being worried, as long as Spielberg approved of the script then I see no huge reason to start sweating.
Posted by Bob the Slob on April 3rd, 2008They should give him a credit in self-defense, to even out the backlash over more people.
Seriously though, is the script really what matters? It’s all in the direction for the Indiana Jones movies. Does he even have a catchphrase? His catchphrase is using a gun against a swordsman, and I understand that wasn’t even in the script to begin with!
Posted by Henrik on April 3rd, 2008Anything against George Lucas I am for. So go Frank!
Posted by Itchy-Finger on April 3rd, 2008I’ll have to see the movie before I know what to think. I find it hard to believe that Frank Darabont’s script was really bad enough that Lucas felt the need to scrap it, but I suppose anything is possible.
Posted by Rian on April 3rd, 2008I agree with the comment above, that if Speilberg has approved the script then there shouldn’t be much case to worry.
Posted by Stephen on April 4th, 2008Maybe he had Indy shoot himself in the end, only to realise that when the smoke cleared, life wasn’t so bad after all.
Posted by Chris on April 4th, 2008Leave a Reply