Indiana Jones and the box office slump

•  Viacom works the media mix magic
•  Video: Check out this summer's hottest movies  

This summer will feature the much anticipated return of an iconic American hero in "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." But after a nearly 20-year hiatus, some wonder whether Dr. Jones is a bit past his prime.

Still, fans of the whip-cracking adventurer are a nostalgic bunch and odds they will come out in droves when the fourth installment hits theaters.

Indiana Jones is the "golden franchise," said Jeff Bock of industry research firm Exhibitor Relations. "Worldwide, there's no doubt it will be number one."

Harrison Ford, 66, plays the swashbuckling archaeologist in a story created by George Lucas, who is also an executive producer, and directed by Steven Spielberg. The details of the plot have been kept under wraps but we know the story is set in 1957 and involves a good-old-fashioned Soviet plan to rule the world.

Newcomer Shia LaBeouf plays Indy's wingman and Karen Allen, who played Marion Ravenwood in the first Indiana Jones movie, returns for the latest installment. Oscar winner Cate Blanchett plays Indy's nemesis, KGB Agent Irina Spalko.

NEXT: Sex and the City