Over the long history of the development of the film we now know as Indian Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skulls, many scripts were reportedly developed by various writers before George Lucas and Steven Spielberg could come to terms over the story. Writer Frank Darabont has bluntly described his time on the project as “a waste of a year.” And now, it looks as if he might have to invest a little more time on the project.
According to an MTV Movie Blog report, Darabont may be having to review the current shooting draft of Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skulls to see if there are enough similarities to earn him a screen credit on the final film.
I haven’t read the script, [but] at a certain point I will because I’m sure there will be an arbitration over writing credits. I keep hearing from people who are near the production and they keep saying, ‘You know, they’re using more of your ideas here than you may have thought.’
One idea that is in the final script that Darabont is not taking credit for is the inclusion of a son for Indiana Jones, played by Shia LaBeouf.
That’s a whole new element that’s been brought in. Shia? I don’t remember writing that character. I did suggest to Steven that he cast John Hurt in this movie and I’m delighted that Mr. Hurt is a part of it. It’s not entirely the role I suggested him for … but I did suggest him.
It is possible that Darabont has a claim. Lucas is well known for cannibalizing his own early, unused drafts of Star Wars to recycle names and ideas later on in the series. Unfortunately, I haven’t read either draft to be more certain, but if anyone wants to send me a copy, strictly in the interests of good reporting on this story, I certainly wouldn’t mind…
