Everyone’s favourite adventurer, Indiana Jones, is the newest statue to join ‘Scenes in the Square’, a sculpture trail in London’s Leicester Square.
Having been officially unveiled at the UK premiere of Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny, in cinemas today, the statue has now taken residency on the north terrace of Leicester Square, Europe’s busiest pedestrian walkway.
Cracking his whip in Indy’s trademark pose first seen in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), the new statue is surrounded by boulders and fauna inspired by the celebrated franchise and will grace the Square throughout the summer.
The statue unveil coincides with the release of Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny, which sees Harrison Ford pick up his whip and fedora for one last adventure as he returns as the legendary archaeologist, starring along with Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”), Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”) and John Rhys-Davies (Raiders of the Lost Ark).
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 and unveiled on the nationwide release of his fifth cinematic adventure, Indy promises to be a hugely popular addition to the Square.”
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.”
The statue joins the nine entertainment icons from the past 100 years, with the Scenes In The Square sculpture trail having become one of London’s most popular free tourist attractions, with visitors in their tens of thousands sharing their photographs with the characters daily. Adorning the buildings, benches and flower beds of the historic square, visitors can also encounter Harry Potter, Laurel & Hardy, Bugs Bunny, Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins, Mr Bean, Paddington and iconic DC superheroes Batman and Wonder Woman.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny hits cinemas nationwide today, Wednesday 28th June.
