The "crystal skull" idea came from Lucas, inspired by the real-life Mitchell-Hedges skull—a quartz carving believed by some to possess supernatural powers. By setting the story in 1957, the filmmakers could move away from the Nazis (who felt passé post- Crusade ) and introduce a new villain: the Soviet Union, led by the ruthless Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett).
Released on May 22, 2008, is the fourth film in the legendary franchise, marking Harrison Ford's return to the title role after a 19-year hiatus. Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on a story by George Lucas, the film is set in 1957 and pits an older Indy against Soviet agents led by Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) during a race to find a telepathic crystal skull in Peru. Key Film Details Director: Steven Spielberg. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 2008
Cate Blanchett, doing her best Natasha Fatale impression with a black bob and a sword hidden in her boot, is a fan-favorite villain. Her psychic powers (mind reading, energy blasts) push the supernatural into the sci-fi realm, for better or worse. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal