The evening of Monday 26th June 2023 saw the UK Red Carpet Premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Fantha Trackers Mark Newbold and Matt Booker were there to soak up the atmosphere, meet some Hollywood legends and see the fourth sequel to 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark….along with a few hundred other fans and celebrities. The weather was hot, the atmosphere and anticipation was hotter, and we had a ringside seat.
Leicester Square disappeared for a few hours, replaced by the familiar trappings of the world of Indiana Jones, and while we waited next to a large and familiar looking crate, the excitement rose as our host for the evening Edith Bowman revved up the crowds. All around us, cosplayers dressed as Indy, Sallah, Henry Jones Sr., Marion and more were buzzing with excitement.
Everything looked amazing, but what was that tall wodden crate just to the left of where we were standing? It was a bronze statue of Indiana Jones himself, made especially to stand in the square and join other cinematic heroes adorning the square outside the various cinemas.
He didn’t sign autographs at the US premiere the week before, but Harrison Ford couldn’t have been more of a trooper at the UK premiere, signing everything put in front of him for well over an hour and chatting to fans and the media. Suffice it to say, a lot of bucket lists got ticked as he met lifelong fans who thanked him for his time and body of work, including Matt who was fortunate to get his Star Wars script book signed by Ford, leaving only Frank Oz (who no longer signs) and James Earl Jones to be hunted down.
Harrison even had chance to take a closer look at the statue of Indiana Jones before walking back into the fray and signing even more books, posters and tickets.
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and her husband Frank Marshall met on Raiders over 40 years ago, marrying in 1987. Since then both have gone on to enjoy incredibly successful careers, making their collective and individual marks on the entertainment world, but despite all the magic-making and memories it’s clear that Indy holds a very special place in their hearts.
Not only were there fans and the media in attendance, but celebrities from the wider entertainment sphere. Actor Charles Dance, singers Michelle Heaton and Sam Ryder, director Dexter Fletcher, director Terry Gilliam and more were there to enjoy the film as well as Daisy Ridley who was spotted by fans on the balcony above the entrance to the Cineworld and afterwards in the foyer.
Helena Shaw aka Phoebe Waller-Bridge made sure to do the full walk round, taking in the far corner we were stood in and signing tickets, posters, photographs and even my Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom premiere program from 1984. When I handed it to her she gave a quizical look (she wasn’t even born when Temple of Doom was released) and I quickly said ‘I know you’re not in it, but what the hell‘ to which she replied,’Yeah, what the hell‘ and promptly signed it with a smile.
Events like this are always more fun with friends, and we were lucky enough to be stood with a few. Bekky King from the Rebel Legion and Charlie Ashby from Imperial Senate Pod were right next to us, and while it was the first time we’d had the chance to properly chat with Bekky despite brief hello’s over the years, we were thrilled to see Charlie again after recently catching up at the Dial of Destiny press screening and the Willow screening late last year. We also caught up with Blocks Magazine editor Graham Hancock, the team from Jedi News, Luke and Matt from Star Wars Sessions and many other familiar faces.
John Rhys-Davies made sure to do the walk round as well, preferring not to sign but to happily pose for photographs instead, as seen here when he posed with myself and Matt.
One of the most heart-warming moments of the entire evening was seeing Robert Watts (producer not only of the original Star Wars trilogy but also of the first three Indiana Jones films) hitting the red carpet to a warm welcome, knowledgeable fans knowing full well what a huge contribution Robert has made to the series. Not invited to the Crystal Skull premiere, not only did he get the well-deserved moment in the spotlight, but he was also reunited with Harrison, continuing a friendship that dates back to 1976 and the making of the original Star Wars.
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With our tickets handed out and our seat allocations decided, we entered the Cineworld and took our places, sweet and salted popcorn and box of water ready to fuel us for our adventure with Indy, but before then a very welcome surprise as the cast and crew of the film entered the auditorium.
We watched as Edith Bowman introduced the cast and crew; director James Mangold, producer Simon Emanuel, producers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy, John Rhys-Davies, Mads Mikkelsen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and of course Harrison Ford, who was on fine form the entire evening and clearly having a ball.
Our group rendition of the Raiders March concluded, we sat back to enjoy the film, and you’ll be able to read what we thought of Dial of Destiny after the opening weekend has ended with our group review and a special episode of Making Tracks Reaction Chat. Remember to check out our coverage over at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, visit out the site and Fantha Tracks Radio for further Dial of Destiny coverage and below for our review of the UK Multimedia Screening with our pals over at Star Wars Sessions.
