Del Rey Books has won the right to publish the tie-in books for the forthcoming fourth Indiana Jones movie. The movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, is scheduled to premiere on 22 May 2008. It’s the long-awaited sequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). The new film reunites director Steven Spielberg, writer George Lucas, and star Harrison Ford, along with Karen Allen, who appeared in the first film.
Del Rey also published the original movie novels. The new novelization will be written by James Rollins, whose previous books include The Judas Strain, Map of Bones, and Ice Hunt.
Del Rey will also publish The Complete Making of Indiana Jones by Laurent Bouzereau and J.W. Rinzler, a “behind-the-scenes look at the people, places, technology, and events that went into the creation of all four Indiana Jones movies.” Bouzereau’s previous books include Star Wars: The Annotated Screenplays and The Making of Star Wars: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. Rinzler’s previous works include The Art and Making of Monster House and The Making of Star Wars.
“We’re very excited to be working with Del Rey on the new Indiana Jones books,” said Carol Roeder, Lucasfilm’s Director of Publishing. “Del Rey was there with the first Star Wars novel, and the first Indiana Jones novel, so it’s wonderful to be able to continue the great adventure together.”
Del Rey editor Shelly Shapiro said “The Indiana Jones movies have attained legendary status in the world of film, and the character of Indiana Jones is a legend in his own right. We are thrilled to be a part of his return, and to have the opportunity to show an entire new generation of readers how exciting these novels can be.”