While Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny isn’t linked to earlier franchise outings, this means the series missed a chance to connect her story to the earlier movies. Compared to immersive cinematic universes like Star Wars or the MCU, the Indiana Jones movies have always felt somewhat thrown together. While the Indiana Jones movies are undeniably inimitable cult classics, they are also heavily creatively indebted to the classic adventure serials of the ‘30s and ‘40s. Like those, the Indiana Jones movies are full of twists that don’t quite add up on second viewing despite how fun and thrilling these revelations are the first time around.
This is not a major problem for the Indiana Jones movies. Raiders of the Lost Ark’s plot holes did not stop the movie from becoming a critical and commercial success upon release, and few viewers would begrudge the franchise a few retcons here and there. However, this inconsistency does mean that the Indiana Jones franchise has never felt as cohesive as other cinematic universes. A prime example of this issue can be seen in 2023’s long-awaited Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and its supporting character, Waller-Bridge’s Helena Shaw. Helena isn’t related to any of the earlier Indiana Jones movies, but she could have been.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Character Should’ve Been Related To Marcus Brody
In Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Waller-Bridge plays Indy’s god-daughter, Helena Shaw. Described as both a girl next door and a grifter by the filmmakers, Waller-Bridge’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny character is apparently the daughter of Jones’ old friend who viewers have not met before. However, it would have made more sense if her character had been related to Indiana Jones franchise favorite Marcus Brody. Played by the late Denholm Elliot, Marcus Brody was the museum curator who Jones worked with in both Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade.
If Helena was Brody’s daughter, this twist would have reunited all of Indy’s previous allies, especially since Jonathan Rhys Davies is back as Sallah. However, the creators of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny failed to take advantage of this opportunity. This leaves Waller-Bridge’s character feeling like something of a loose end in the world of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. While the belated sequel might secretly be setting up a twist that reveals another connection between Jones and Shaw, making the character a relative of an existing supporting star would have instantly given her a place in the series.
How A Marcus Brody Connection Would’ve Brought Indy 5 Full Circle
Waller-Bridge playing Brody’s daughter in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny could have kept the character’s legacy alive. This could have brought the Indiana Jones franchise together, although there are a few reasons why the filmmakers may have wanted to avoid this. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny could reveal that Shaw is lying about her identity, which would explain why viewers never met her mother. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny could also reveal that Waller-Bridge’s character is secretly Jones’ daughter as well as his goddaughter, which would explain why the creators opted not to link her character with Marcus Brody.
