An Unproduced Indiana Jones Story That Could Serve as an Ideal Sequel to Great Circle

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle effectively delivers an engaging narrative independent of earlier Indiana Jones storylines. However, there exists an intriguing unproduced film concept that could serve as a fantastic inspiration for the next video game iteration of the franchise. Over the last 40 years, the series has launched five films, and with such a lengthy history, it’s expected that various plot ideas didn’t quite make it to the silver screen. While some concepts may not translate well to a movie format, they still hold potential for an interactive experience. Steering away from traditional storytelling might offer an exciting pathway following the success of The Great Circle.

Elements from the sci-fi plot of Indiana Jones and the Saucermen from Mars later found their way into Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, whereas the idea of a dinosaur-rich hidden valley in China echoes the themes of Jurassic Park more than those of classic Indiana Jones films. Among the various suggestions considered by Lucas, one notably darker theme could present a compelling opportunity for a video game, delving into realms unexplored in the cinematic versions.

A Haunted Castle as an Ideal Indiana Jones Game Setting

An Atmospheric, Contained Adventure

Indiana Jones from Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looking up in awe.

There is a fascinating connection between Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and the classic horror genre often referred to as the “old dark house”style. This similarity can be traced back to an abandoned notion for a sequel set in a haunted Scottish castle. Following the success of Poltergeist, Spielberg opted to steer clear of further horror projects, resulting in the idea being shelved. Nevertheless, introducing Indiana Jones into a tight, supernatural environment could provide an engaging departure from typical storylines in a follow-up to The Great Circle.

The Great Circle Could Receive a Standalone Expansion

Indy’s Haunted Castle Adventure Doesn’t Need to Be Grand

Gameplay from Wolfenstein: The Old Blood showing a stealthy approach behind an enemy.

A sequel to The Great Circle certainly deserves an expansive narrative scope; however, Indy’s haunted castle journey need not unfold on such a grand scale. The developer, MachineGames, previously released a standalone expansion, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood, which takes place significantly in a castle setting. With the Great Circle expected to receive a downloadable content (DLC) expansion titled The Order of Giants, exploring a haunted castle could serve as an engaging interim experience while fans await a potentially lengthy development period for a full sequel.

Though certain unproduced Indiana Jones ideas may not have been suitable for the character, revisiting the concept of a haunted castle—rejected primarily due to issues of timing—could be timely and fitting. Much inspiration for Raiders of the Lost Ark came from Carl Barks’ Uncle Scrooge comics, demonstrating that a Scottish haunted castle narrative would align effortlessly with the adventurous spirit of the franchise. While it remains uncertain if Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be followed up with another entry, an adventure set within a haunted castle could provide a thrilling continuation.

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