Often regarded as the greatest movie character of all time, Indiana Jones is set to be immortalised as a bronze statue in the nation’s home of film Leicester Square, becoming the newest addition of the Scenes in the Square statue trail.
To celebrate the archaeological ace’s return in Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny, set to be released in UK cinemas nationwide on 28th June, the statue will bring to life the moment he first donned the unmistakable whip and fedora in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Famed for his pursuits of priceless artefacts including the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail, the cinematic treasure will become a jewel in the crown of Leicester Square as he joins the likes of Harry Potter, Batman and Mary Poppins in the popular free entertainment trail, occupying the tenth plot of the attraction, now in its fourth year.
The new addition to London’s entertainment district was announced today to coincide with a celebration of where it all began in George Lucas and Steven Spielberg’s 1981 classic Raiders of the Lost Ark, with a very special screening at the Vue, West End, Leicester Square, celebrating the arrival of the ‘Indiana Jones’ collection on Disney+ today.
In true Indy style, the statue was teased with a mysterious crate labelled ‘PROPERTY OF DR. H JONES,’ mirroring the wooden case containing the Ark of the Covenant from his first cinematic adventure, along with signature whip and fedora marking the spot where the eponymous explorer’s statue will stand.
Taking pride of place on the buzzing north east corner of Europe’s busiest pedestrian area in the historic square, the bronze statue promises to become a major new attraction for the West End.
Mark Williams, Director of Destination for Heart of London Business Alliance, comments:
“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Indiana Jones to the Scenes in the Square trail, honouring the character’s major part in cinema history since 1981 and cementing Harrison Ford’s status as a movie icon.”
“The dynamic statue trail is a true celebration of entertainment and there are few more worthy inclusions than the legendary Indiana Jones. Taking pride of place on Leicester Square’s bustling north terrace, Indy promises to be a hugely popular addition to the Square that is soon to host its third Indiana Jones premiere, further cementing his legacy in movie history.”
First opened in February 2020, with nine statues celebrating a century of cinema in the Square, Scenes in the Square is a dynamic statue trail run by Heart of London Business Alliance and supported by Westminster City Council. It has fast become one of London’s most popular free tourist attractions, with visitors in their tens of thousands sharing their photographs with the characters daily.
Councillor Tim Roca, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Young People, Learning and Leisure, added: “Although some might think it belongs in a museum, I’m thrilled to be welcoming the Indiana Jones statue to Leicester Square. Being in the heart of our city, this tribute celebrates Westminster’s unrivalled position as the home of film and entertainment.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Heart of London Business Alliance to support Scenes in the Square, which continues to generate a buzz across the borough, making culture and the arts accessible to our residents.”
In celebration of the upcoming theatrical release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny on June 28th, the Indiana Jones collection of movies swing onto Disney+ today.
