Shia LaBeouf is not returning as Mutt Williams in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, as the controversial character has no place in the story. Audiences met Indiana Jones' secret son Mutt in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull over a decade ago. The movie seemed to indicate that Shia LaBeouf would be a key part of the franchise moving forward, but that is not the case. It is confirmed that Mutt Williams is not in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, as his absence has been part of the movie's plans for years. This did not change despite the sequel's various changes during development.
There are a few key reasons why Shia LaBeouf's Mutt Williams is not in Indiana Jones 5. One of the main factors was the audience's response to Mutt in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The poor reaction to the character largely ended the chances of Shia LaBeouf returning, as did the actor's numerous public criticisms of the film, Steven Spielberg, and Harrison Ford. It further alienated Shia from the franchise, making it easy for them to decide not to incorporate Mutt into plans for Indiana Jones 5. If they had, Shia LaBeouf's various controversies in recent years may have ultimately prevented a return in the end.
Why It's Good Mutt Isn't In Indiana Jones & The Dial Of Destiny
It is a good decision that Mutt isn't in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Bringing Shia LaBeouf back or even recasting the role would have still directly connected the sequel to Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Considering he was one of many parts of the movie that audiences did not like, featuring more of Mutt would have risked reminding viewers even more about the controversial sequel. There is certainly a chance that Indiana Jones 5 could have helped redeem Shia LaBeouf's Mutt with a return, but the odds of that happening are ittedly quite low.
The absence of Mutt also paved the way for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny to introduce new characters. Shia LaBeouf's return would have likely seen Mutt work alongside his father as Indy travels the globe for another artifact. With Mutt out of the picture, that role goes to Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Helena in Indiana Jones 5. The introduction of Indy's goddaughter and getting someone as creative as Phoebe Waller-Bridge involved with the franchise is much more exciting for the sequel than seeing more of Mutt.
How Indiana Jones & The Dial Of Destiny Can Address Mutt's Absence
Just because Shia LaBeouf's Mutt Williams does not return in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, it does not mean that the movie will completely ignore him. The movie would be smart to at least address Mutt's absence in some form. This could happen with something as simple as Indiana Jones mentioning what became of Mutt after Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Any information provided can help give Mutt's story some closure and ensure that Indiana Jones still knows what his son is up to even if he is not part of the adventure in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
