While Dial of Destiny may not be your traditional Indiana Jones film, this is a film about getting old, dealing with regrets, and finding a way to keep carrying on even when you want to give up and die.
Peter Strickland has crafted a love letter to cinema itself, specifically to the Italian giallo cinema of the 70s -- the world of Argento, Bava, Fulci, and more.
Jon Favreau approached Avi Arad with the intention of making it a comedy, but luckily opted to make Iron Man instead. Then, Incredible Hulk director, Louis Leterrier, was shown concept art and offered his services, but Marvel turned him down.