Harrison Ford is returning to play Dr. Henry Jones Jr. in Indiana Jones 5, but it will more than likely be his last time portraying the iconic character. As for the future, director Steven Spielberg recently revealed that a woman could possibly take over the role. The franchise will continue after the 5th movie, which is expected to begin filming next April, and it just might be ready for a big change after Harrison Ford hangs up his hat and whip for good.

While promoting Ready Player One, Steven Spielberg was asked about the possibility of a woman taking over the Indiana Jones role. The director has been a big proponent of the recent #MeToo and Time's Up movements and was raised almost single-handedly by his mother because his father worked so much when he was a child. So, when asked, Spielberg was positive about a female-led version of Indiana Jones. He had this to say.

"We'd have to change the name from Jones to Joan. And there would be nothing wrong with that."

Steven Spielberg also talked about the subject of gender equality in the entertainment industry while promoting Ready Player One. He revealed that the lead actors and actresses in his latest movie were paid equally. Spielberg also mentioned that Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep were paid the same amount for last year's The Post, even down to the additional bonuses. Spielberg explains.

"Everyone was equally paid. And on The Post, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep got the same paycheck exactly, right down to the perks."

As for 75-year old Harrison Ford returning to the Indiana Jones franchise after the 5th installment, Steven Spielberg noted that this will more than likely be the last time. Ford will be 76-years old when filming starts next year, and the director has revealed that he can't see him returning to the legendary role.

"This will be Harrison Ford's last Indiana Jones movie, I am pretty sure, but it will certainly continue after that."

With the franchise certain to continue after Harrison Ford's exit, the next person for the job could very well be a woman. And as Steven Spielberg says, "There's nothing wrong with that." Steven Spielberg has been influenced by women throughout his life and for him, it would make perfect sense for Indiana Jones continuing with a female lead. He director talked about how big of an inspiration that his mom and his wife have been. He explains.

"My mom was strong. She had a voice, she had a very strong opinion. I have been very lucky to be influenced by women, several of whom I have just loved madly, my mom and my wife."

It might be time for Indiana Jones to "take on a new form," as Steven Spielberg says. You can read the rest of the interview with Spielberg and his thoughts on a woman taking over the Indiana Jones role over at The Sun.