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Star Wars and Indiana Jones are two of the most popular movie franchises to ever exist. They both feature breathtaking action sequences, plenty of drama, romance, Harrison Ford, and even a few laughs along the way. But beyond that, the two properties couldn’t be more different. One takes place in a galaxy far, far away while the other takes place here on Earth during the early part of the 20th century. That doesn’t mean they’ve never crossed paths, in one way or another. Here’s the story of how The Force Awakens continued the tradition of Indiana Jones and Star Wars crossovers. 

‘Star Wars’ wasn’t the only blockbuster franchise George Lucas had a hand in

Cast members (L -R) Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.'
Cast members (L -R) Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens.’ | Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

George Lucas gained worldwide fame and acclaim for his role as the visionary behind the Star Wars franchise. But he also played a crucial role in another blockbuster tentpole. 

Lucas also served as the brainchild and executive producer behind the Indiana Jones films. He wasn’t the only famed creative mind behind the camera, however. On the first four, Lucas was joined by critically acclaimed director Steven Spielberg. Of course, Ford also starred in both as Han Solo and the titular character of Indiana Jones. 

Because of Lucas’ proximity to both series, there have been opportunities for references to both films across the movies. They may not have had characters or storylines that intertwined, but there were plenty of crossovers in both. 

The many crossovers of ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Star Wars’: Here’s how ‘The Force Awakens’ kept the tradition alive

According to Tickets2You, these films reference each other quite a bit. Some examples include: 

  • A plane in Raiders of the Lost Ark features the letters OB-CP0, in what seems like a clear reference to the characters Obi-Wan Kenobi and C-3P0. 
  •  Another Raiders scene sees Indy standing in front of some ancient hieroglyphics. Painted on a pillar are two characters who look strikingly similar to droids R2-D2 and C-3P0. Princess Leia is drawn on a wall. 
  • In Temple of Doom, the action passes a nightclub called Club Obi-Wan. 
  • One scene in the Clone Wars animated series finds two characters move an object that looks like the Ark of the Covenant. 

One of the best crossover references comes in The Force Awakens, however. Han Solo and Chewbacca are running from a rolling creature looking to eat them. The sound effect used is the same as the one used in Raiders, when Indy runs from a boulder. 

Eagle-eyed (and eagle-eared) fans may have spotted many of these references. But the question remains: Will there be more of these in the future to keep fans of both movies happy? 

What’s on the horizon for ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’?

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So, can fans of both film series look forward to any further crossovers? It’s hard to say. 

As far as Star Wars is concerned, there are some films in the pipeline. The Skywalker Saga came to a conclusion, which means the main film continuity is at an end … for now, at least. According to Games Radar, Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins will direct a Rogue Squadron film set to come out in 2023. Taika Waititi also has a film in development. 

Meanwhile, Ford is signed up for a fifth Indiana Jones movie. There will be a major difference this time around, however; for the first time, Spielberg will not direct Ford. James Mangold, director of Logan, will helm this one. It will obviously feature a significantly aged Dr. Jones, but beyond that there’s still some mystery around the production. 

It’s anyone’s guess as to whether there will be any more crossover references between the two franchises. But as long as Disney is pumping out films from both universes, the possibility certainly exists. 

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