Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny picks up 12 years after the events of Crystal Skull. The previous film was undeniably controversial, with audiences having mixed feelings about its narrative and the direction it took the series. Dial of Destiny certainly looks to correct some of its predecessor’s issues and it largely ignores its events. As such, viewers may be wondering what happened to Indiana’s son Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf) in Dial of Destiny. Why isn’t he in the film?
Set in 1969, Dial of Destiny begins with Indiana Jones on the day of his retirement as an archaeology professor. He is now, for all intents and purposes, the archetypal grumpy old man.
Indy lives alone in an apartment where he is irritated by his neighbour’s partying. He is frustrated by his students’ lack of studying and unimpressed by a retirement gift from his colleagues.
It is revealed early in the film that he is separated from his wife Marion Ravenwood. His son – Mutt Williams (real name Henry Walton Jones III) – who was introduced in Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is also nowhere to be seen.
So, what happened to Mutt and why isn’t he in Dial of Destiny?
What happened to Mutt Williams in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny?
Mutt Williams isn’t in Dial of Destiny because he died while serving in the Vietnam War prior to the events of the film.
This is revealed by Indiana during a conversation with Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). He explains that he separated from Marion as she was so grief stricken by Mutt’s death and he was unable to console her.
He also tells Helena that if he could go back in time he would attempt to convince Mutt not to join the military.
Ultimately, Mutt’s death has little impact on the plot of Dial of Destiny and he is mentioned sparingly. In fact, his death as a solider and its impact on Indiana and Marion could be viewed as an attempt to redeem Mutt in the eyes of viewers. The character was largely disliked in Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and audiences may now reassess Mutt in favourable terms.
Did you like Mutt Williams in Crystal Skull? Are you pleased he wasn’t included in Dial of Destiny? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
