Final Curtain Call for Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood in ‘Indiana Jones: Dial of Destiny’

Karen Allen had always anticipated that she’d cross paths again with the legend of Indiana Jones.

Having made her debut in the 1981’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Allen’s appearances in the subsequent sequels have been infrequent. However, her portrayal of Marion Ravenwood, with her freckles and big eyes, has only amplified over time.

Despite the iconic status of Indiana Jones in cinema, his character requires a fitting counterpart. The roles were filled by Kate Capshaw and Ke Huy Quan in “Temple of Doom” and Sean Connery in “The Last Crusade.” Yet none outshined or outdrank Allen’s Marion, a witty, natural beauty, and a swashbuckling character reminiscent of legends like Katharine Hepburn and Irene Dunne.

The involvement of Allen in the latest and final “Indiana Jones,” the recently released “Dial of Destiny,” has been shrouded in mystery. Now that the movie has hit the theaters – spoiler alert – it can be revealed that Allen reprises her role. Although her part isn’t extensive – a tragedy has separated Marion and Indiana – it profoundly influences Harrison Ford’s farewell performance as Indiana Jones.

In a recent interview, Allen, with a laugh, admitted, “Keeping secrets isn’t my forte.”

Allen, now 71, was a vibrant force in some noteworthy films of the ’70s and ’80s, including 1978’s “Animal House” (which caught Steven Spielberg’s attention), 1984’s “Starman,” and 1988’s “Scrooged.” Despite her consistent work, she was often overlooked in the male-centric Hollywood of the time. She has spent decades in the Berkshires, running a textile and clothing boutique and performing at Tanglewood frequently.

Allen reprised her role as Marion in 2008’s “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” However, “Dial of Destiny” not only signifies the end of Ford’s journey as Indy but also marks Allen’s farewell to her most cherished character. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creator and star of “Fleabag,” takes the role of Indiana’s sidekick in this installment. Allen, praising Waller-Bridge as a powerful woman, approves.

“If I were to be replaced,” said Allen, “I’m pleased it was her.”

The following is a Q&A with Karen Allen:

AP: Did Spielberg or “Dial of Destiny” director James Mangold approach you about reprising your role as Marion?

ALLEN: There was a phase when Steven was slated to direct the film, and the plot seemed to revolve around Marion and Indy. But when Steven stepped down, and James stepped up with new writers, the direction changed. The plot became even more mysterious after their takeover. I was slightly disappointed that Marion wasn’t more involved throughout the story. Still, the manner in which she returns to the plot was gratifying. It would have been a massive letdown if Marion had disappeared into thin air.

AP: Do you believe that Marion and Indiana were meant to be together? You don’t exactly get a sense of commitment between them in “Raiders.”

ALLEN: It’s amusing. I had made up my mind when I first started that Indy was the love of Marion’s life. So I played the role in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” believing they were soulmates. The marriage scene in “Crystal Skull” brought tears to my eyes when I read the script.

AP: Did you ever wish for more opportunities to star in major Hollywood films?

ALLEN: I’m constantly involved in movies, although I’ve been more focused on indie films over the past 10 or 15 years. The roles I’m truly interested in, especially for someone my age, are more common in the indie scene. There have been times when I was raising my son, but I typically do at least two films a year. I’ve often turned down roles as many parts for women in larger budget films are thankless.

AP: What does Marion represent to you?

ALLEN: She’s central to my development as an actor and my perception of the world. I’ve become highly associated with that character. After a brief period of finding it annoying, I’ve come to love the character.

AP: How was the experience of filming your scenes with Ford in “Dial of Destiny”?

ALLEN: It was fantastic. We shot it all in one or maybe two days. Imagining these two characters who have been torn apart by grief and loss, and then Marion coming back with hope for a future was extremely moving. The scene was highly emotional for both of us and even left the crew teary-eyed.

AP: How has it been keeping your role in the film a secret?

ALLEN: It’s been torturous. (Laughs) I hope I never have to do anything like this again. People have approached me, upset that they didn’t see my name on IMDb. It’s been a no-win situation for me, trying to keep the secret.

AP: Does playing Marion one last time mark the end of anything for you?

ALLEN: More so for Harrison than for me. He’s a fully developed character who has done all five films. Marion, on the other hand, has been a transient character. I don’t sense an end as such. It’s a letting go, knowing this is the last one.

___ Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP

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More about Karen Allen

• Karen Allen IMDB
• Indiana Jones Series
• Dial of Destiny
• Phoebe Waller-Bridge IMDB
• Raiders of the Lost Ark