Indiana Jones 5: Mads Mikkelsen says he will be creating his own character

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

The casting process for movies usually goes one of two ways: you find the right actor for the part or you build a part around an actor. In the case of Indiana Jones 5, Lucasfilm is developing a role specifically for Mads Mikkelsen. The Danish actor, who has done everything from Oscar-nominated drama in Another Round to villainous turns like Hannibal Lecter of Le Chiffre in Casino Royale, is one of the most in-demand performers today. After his subdued turn in Rogue One, Disney and Lucasfilm are partnering with Mikkelsen again, and this time he gets a large say in what his role will be.

Recently while speaking with Collider, Mikkelsen touched on the freedom he's been given concerning his upcoming role for Indiana Jones 5.

"I do think I’m invited in to create a character, I think that everybody wants that," Mikkelsen said. "That’s why they pick certain actors that they think can come up with certain things, and it will be a collaboration as it always is."

Mikkelsen also stated that, not long ago, he went back to Stephen Spielberg's Raiders of the Lost Ark as a way to pump himself up for the new film:

“I’m very, very excited about it… I rewatched Raiders of the Lost Ark the other day, it is so well-done and so charming, and it’s such great storytelling. So yes it’s a great honor to be part of that franchise that I grew up with… I’m in a lucky position where they let me read the script before. And yes, it was everything I wished it to be, so that was just great.”

Obviously eager to cut loose as Dr. Jones' next nemesis, Mikkelsen explained to Collider that he sees the Indy franchise as a "genre mix."

"There is something a little larger-than-life, almost back to the 30s with a Peter Lorre kind of feel, and then you have Indiana Jones who kind of is a straight man. But he does produce a lot of funny and interesting things, but there are different character genres in some of those films.”

In addition to his time with Collider, Mikkelsen recently spoke with our Fantasizing About Fantasy Films host Jessica Dwyer and talked about how surreal it is for him to be contributing to such a legendary franchise:

"I can only say it's about time. It’s obviously surreal.  Even if I was an American or an English actor it would be surreal to be a part of so many different franchises.  And as a Dane, it’s even more surreal. I don’t know what to say about it.  It’s fun.  And It’s fun to get a text from a friend that says “I just made a list.”  It’s fun I don’t know what to add.  These are things we all grew up with and it's just surreal."

How far do you think Mikkelsen will push the envelope for his Indiana Jones 5 villain? Will he creep it up a bit like his role as Hannibal Lecter, or will he bring something entirely new to the table? With the ball finally rolling at a good clip for the upcoming sequel we might not have to wait long to find out.