In the summer of 1981, Harrison Ford traded in his blaster for a bullwhip to become the leading man in Steven Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark. Based on a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and a story by George Lucas, the film follows globetrotting archaeologist, Indiana Jones, as he attempts to stop Nazi German forces from gaining control of the long-lost Ark of the Covenant.
Also starring Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davis, Ronald Lacey, Paul Freeman and Denholm Elliott, the flick would go on to win the summer box office, become the highest-grossing movie of the year, and spawn one of the most beloved film franchises in Hollywood history.
There is little doubt that 2023 will be a big one for Indiana Jones. In addition to the release of a new movie from director James Mangold, Hasbro is clearly planning to bring the character back to the toy aisle in a very big way thanks to the new Indiana Jones Adventure Series and the smaller scale Adventures of Indiana Jones Retro Collection – complete with new figures and packaging that call to mind the classic Kenner line from back in 1982.
The company’s brand-new Indiana Jones Adventure Series celebrates the 40-plus-year legacy of the character. Officially unveiled during Hasbro PulseCon 2022, the collector-aimed assortment brings some of pop culture’s most beloved characters to life for the first time as 6-inch action figures – complete with photo-realistic likenesses, premium details, a wide range of articulation, character-specific accessories, and even a unique Build-An-Artifact piece.
The first assortment focuses on Raiders of the Lost Ark and will include a total of five characters from the film. Comprising this inaugural wave of figures will be:
Indiana Jones: Contracted by the United States Government to find the Ark of The Covenant while teaching at Marshall College in 1936, Dr. Henry W. Jones, Jr. is known for his wry sense of humour, deep knowledge of ancient civilizations, and fear of snakes. Hasbro’s new figure will feature the authorized likeness of Harrison Ford and include multiple interchangeable hands, a bullwhip, fedora, satchel, pistol, and golden fertility idol.
Marion Ravenwood: A bartender and nightclub owner whose father mentored Indiana Jones, Marion was at one time romantically involved with the archaeologist until he abruptly broke things off with her in 1926. The pair eventually reunited and teamed up during Indy’s quest to locate the Ark of the Covenant, and their relationship rekindled. Hasbro’s new figure will feature the authorized likeness of Karen Allen and include both a monkey and frying pan accessories.
Sallah Mohammed Faisel el-Kahir: Known as the “best digger in Egypt” according to his friend, Indiana Jones, Sallah is a dedicated family man with nine children. A well-connected individual, he is known for his love of Gilbert and Sullivan and deep baritone voice. Hasbro’s new Sallah figure will feature the authorized likeness of actor, John Rhys-Davis, and include a robe, shovel, and coiled rope accessories.
Arnold Toht: A sadistic and ruthless Nazi Gestapo agent and military officer, Arnold Toht worked closely with Rene Belloq during his search for the Ark of The Covenant although he did not believe in the supernatural abilities of the artifact. Hasbro’s Toht action figure will feature the likeness of Ronald Lacey and include interchangeable hands, a coat, pistol, and a pair of swappable heads – including one with a melting face so his demise in the film can be recreated.
Rene Belloq: The main antagonist of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Belloq is a rival archaeologist to Indiana Jones who believes harnessing the power of the Ark of the Covenant will make the Nazi army an unstoppable force. Hasbro’s upcoming figure features the authorized likeness of Paul Freeman and comes to fans in his priestly garb from near the end of the film. The figure includes a staff and chest-plate accessories.
Each of these figures will also include a unique Build-An-Artifact piece that allows fans to reconstruct the Ark of the Covenant from the film – complete with handles designed to be held by your Indiana Jones action figures! Additionally, the figures will be encased in the new plastic-free packaging that Hasbro first unveiled this past July at San Diego Comic Con.
Currently, the Indiana Jones and Arnold Toht figures are available for pre-order. They can be found on Hasbro Pulse and through numerous online retailers. Each is priced at around $24.99 USD and has a release date scheduled for April 2023. The other figures in the wave should be available for pre-order in early 2023 for the same price. Fans can expect Hasbro to announce new additions to the line in the near future.
If you are excited for all of the new Indiana Jones figures coming in 2023, grab your fedora and bullwhip because a new adventure in collecting is about to begin!
