Lucasfilm's first trailer for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny confirms the film's dynamic use of Disney's de-aging special effects for Harrison Ford's titular character. As such, this creates some natural questions as to when Indiana Jones 5 is actually set. While it looks as though there will be a variety of flashbacks to Dr. Jones's past, there seem to be plenty of never-before-seen adventures in the present as well, indicating a time-hopping adventure that may be more complex than previous installments.

Thanks to the new trailer for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and promotions for the film, it's been confirmed that Doctor Henry Jones Jr. is still teaching as a professor in the year 1969, the same year as the Moon landing. However, it looks as though Indiana's present will be interspersed with moments from his past, indicated by the handful of scenes where Indy has been de-aged. While it's evident that the time setting will change more than once, it looks to be in service of honoring Indy's legacy, playing upon the nostalgia of the franchise. However, it's possible that time travel may be involved as well, going beyond simple flashbacks.

Related: How Old Indy Is In Indiana Jones 5 (& Harrison Ford's Real Age)

Does The Indiana Jones 5 Trailer Confirm The Time Travel Rumors?Yound Indiana Jones In Dial of Destiny

As revealed by the new trailer and its reveal of the film's full title, Indiana Jones will be tracking down an artifact known as the Dial of Destiny. While not much is currently known about its origins or what it can do, an interview with the film's leading Nazi antagonist played by Mads Mikkelsen confirmed that it has "the power to change the world". Likewise, Indy's comments in the trailer about not believing in magic while still having "seen things" suggests that the Dial will be on par with similarly powerful objects such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail.

Combined with the persistent rumors that time travel will play a role in Indiana Jones 5, the impressive sequences with young Dr. Jones may support the idea that the Dial has the power to alter the past, benefiting the one who wields it. There's a particular scene featuring a de-aged Harrison Ford that looks to be set during The Last Crusade when Indy disguised himself as a German officer. As such, perhaps these glimpses into the past will see young Indy grappling with classic moments from previous films that have somehow been altered by the Nazis in 1969 thanks to the Dial.

How The Different Eras Are The Perfect Sendoff For Harrison Ford

De-Aged Indiana Jones in Dial of Destiny on a train

At any rate, exploring Indiana Jones's past as much as his present feels like a very satisfying way to end his story with one last adventure. Whether it's simply to show his past encounters with the Dial and the Nazis or something even bigger such as altered history, it's a great means to revisit the span of Ford's career as Dr. Jones. As such, exploring multiple eras of the past and the evident dedication to the de-aging technology will likely serve as the perfect tribute, tying right into the new narrative for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

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