What is this business of Abner being a part of the anti-commie rally on the college campus? Has John Hurt been spotted anywhere on the New Haven set? What's with the two different outfits Ford's been seen in. The rumor doesn't match any of the pics. I've stayed relatively spoiler free - but thought this was pretty darn confusing. I think it's definitely possible for Hurt to play Abner (and it doesn't take a genius to figure that he's not Einstein) - but for "Abner" to seek Indy out and go wondering around campus is kind of ridiculous. I guess if I really dove into spoiler territory, I'd have a little better idea if this were false or false. But, we've got aliens, skulls, arks, dead Abners, etc. I'm starting to really love these rumors. If I were directing such a huge event movie that was almost twenty years in the making, I'd probably start these rumors to throw some people off a little. If I'm Spielberg, I'm thinking that the best way to avoid spoilers is to create false spoilers and let the fans discuss themselves into mass confusion. I love it! I'll bet he's got a rumor committee. Think of the best rumors out there, then build off it - then release it to CHUD or IMDB.......(Belloq laugh)
I still think Hurt is a villain. Abner? Perhaps. If so, then the Ark is a critical ingredient. He'd be perfect for the role. He'd have to play older - but he looks it. I just keep thinking that they are all too clever to use recycled material. There are so many artifacts - and so many roles for John Hurt to play in the Indy universe. Why Abner and the Ark?
Full circle, I guess. Love the rumor-mill.