Making of ‘The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’

Steven Spielberg opens by addressing the fans’ craving for a fourth Indiana Jones picture, the plot’s origins and the 1950s B-movie and 1930s serials combination, the backdrop of the Cold War and the overhanging threat of nuclear war, incorporating a real legend into a fictional tale, Ford’s ability to quickly fall back into the costume and role after nearly two decades away, reuniting the old team, keeping the plot under wraps prior to release, Indy’s unique introduction in the film, casting the lead villain, training Shia LaBeouf to ride a motorcycle and photographing the bike chase sequence, shooting in Hawaii, Karen Allen’s return, set design and construction, crafting the climax, and a discussion of the movie’s surprise finale.