Harrison Ford is returning as Indiana Jones, but this time the character will appear in a new attraction at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. The 84 year old actor will reprise his famous role for “Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent”, which was announced during Disney’s D23 fan event.
Ford appeared in a pre recorded video message during the event and spoke about his connection to the character. “Hello, D23. Thanks for coming along on all of Indy’s adventures. Soon it’ll be time for his next ride, and I’m pleased to share that, for the first time ever, I’m the actual model of the Indiana Jones animatronic fear of snakes included.”
He also added, “I’m excited for you to see his next epic adventure, and I’m coming to Walt Disney World soon.”
The announcement quickly attracted attention from Indiana Jones fans. Many took to Disney Parks’ Instagram page to celebrate Ford’s return. Some fans praised the decision to keep Ford connected to the character, while others said they could not imagine anyone else playing Indiana Jones.
Ford has played the adventurous archaeology professor across five Indiana Jones films over more than 40 years. He first appeared as the character in Steven Spielberg’s 1981 film “Raiders of the Lost Ark”.
Ford and Spielberg later reunited for “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” in 1984, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” in 1989 and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” in 2008.
Ford returned as Indiana Jones again in 2023 for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”, directed by James Mangold. The five films have earned more than $2.3 billion at the worldwide box office, although the latest movie was considered a major financial disappointment for Disney.
#HarrisonFord confirms he'll be the model for the new #IndianaJones animatronic coming to #AnimalKingdom! ⭐️
— ScreenRant (@screenrant) August 16, 2026
pic.twitter.com/VE9y624U2e
The new attraction gives Ford another opportunity to remain connected to one of his most famous characters. The announcement also comes after the actor was recently photographed showing off his fitness while riding a bicycle in Los Angeles.
Ford continues to remain active in Hollywood. In March, he received the Life Achievement Award at the 2026 SAG Actor Awards, recognising his seven decade career in the entertainment industry.
During his emotional acceptance speech, Ford said he was “incredibly grateful” and “quite humbled” by the honour. He also joked that “it’s a little weird to be getting a lifetime achievement award at the halfway point of my career.”
He added, “It’s a little early, isn’t it? I’m still a working actor.”
Ford also spoke about the difficulties he faced early in his career. He said he “was not an overnight success” and “struggled for about 15 years” before getting a role in a highly successful film.
The actor described acting as “one of the greatest joys of [his] life” and thanked his wife, Calista Flockhart, and his family for having “given [him] love and courage through all of it.” With his return as Indiana Jones, Ford continues to add new chapters to a career that has already lasted several decades.