A prototype of the lost “Ark of the Covenant” from the first Indiana Jones film recently found itself on an episode of PBS’ long-running Antiques Roadshow, evidently escaping from its former confines in a secret government warehouse. The prop was professionally valued at anywhere from $80,000 to $250,000.

[caption id="attachment_2311604" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image Credit: PBS' Antiques Roadshow[/caption]

An unnamed man brought the Ark prop to the Antiques Roadshow, saying it previously belonged to his father, who he said was an employee for VFX studio Industrial Light & Magic, working on Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and even Star Trek. The owner said his father worked for ILM as a pyrotechnician.

The owner said his family stored blankets inside, though he did enjoy getting to tell friends he owned the Ark.

Appraiser James Supp rightly notes that the man’s version of the Ark is different from what audiences saw in the final version of Indiana Jones.

“I know that this was a prototype used to size the pyro,” the owner said. “I know that the Ark that they used was significantly smaller, the details are different. This is one of the prototypes, maybe the first prototype for pyro [effects].”

The infamous Ark of the Covenant was the magical item/MacGuffin that spurred Indiana Jones and his friends to adventure across Egypt, Nepal, and the Aegean Sea. Fabled to house the Ten Commandments, Nazi forces pursue the Ark in the film, believing it could grant them invincibility. Ultimately, the legends turn out to have a dark twist, with the angels of death emerging from the Ark to explode, liquefy, and generally murder every single Nazi in the vicinity.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/15/harrison-ford-indiana-jones-5-will-see-part-of-his-history-resolved"]

Supp points out that the prototype is definitely cobbled together from various junk and crafts you might find at any prop studio. The two winged angels on the top are made from trophies, the lid is made from a picture frame, and the seemingly ornate “carvings” on the side are just squiggles from a hot glue gun painted gold.

“That original prop is somewhere in the LucasFilm archives at Skywalker Ranch,” Supp said. “People who want to replicate props have scoured every scene to copy all the little details on it. This is the closest anybody in the private market can get to owning the Ark of the Covenant from Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

Supp said that while his conservative estimate would put the Ark prop between $80,000 to $120,000, he admits he could see the prop earning a price tag “in the quarter-million-dollar range.”

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/27/steven-spielberg-might-not-direct-indiana-jones-5"]

If hearing all this news about a famous Indiana Jones prop has you excited for more adventures, you won’t have to wait too long. Indiana Jones 5 is currently in development. Here’s everything we know about Indiana Jones 5, including director options, cast and crew, release date, and more. Last we heard from Harrison Ford (who will be returning in his iconic role as Indy), filming begins shooting in April, although a recent director change may have shifted that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer/golden idol for IGN.

A prototype of the lost “Ark of the Covenant” from the first Indiana Jones film recently found itself on an episode of PBS’ long-running Antiques Roadshow, evidently escaping from its former confines in a secret government warehouse. The prop was professionally valued at anywhere from $80,000 to $250,000.

[caption id="attachment_2311604" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image Credit: PBS' Antiques Roadshow[/caption]

An unnamed man brought the Ark prop to the Antiques Roadshow, saying it previously belonged to his father, who he said was an employee for VFX studio Industrial Light & Magic, working on Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and even Star Trek. The owner said his father worked for ILM as a pyrotechnician.

The owner said his family stored blankets inside, though he did enjoy getting to tell friends he owned the Ark.

Appraiser James Supp rightly notes that the man’s version of the Ark is different from what audiences saw in the final version of Indiana Jones.

“I know that this was a prototype used to size the pyro,” the owner said. “I know that the Ark that they used was significantly smaller, the details are different. This is one of the prototypes, maybe the first prototype for pyro [effects].”

The infamous Ark of the Covenant was the magical item/MacGuffin that spurred Indiana Jones and his friends to adventure across Egypt, Nepal, and the Aegean Sea. Fabled to house the Ten Commandments, Nazi forces pursue the Ark in the film, believing it could grant them invincibility. Ultimately, the legends turn out to have a dark twist, with the angels of death emerging from the Ark to explode, liquefy, and generally murder every single Nazi in the vicinity.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/15/harrison-ford-indiana-jones-5-will-see-part-of-his-history-resolved"]

Supp points out that the prototype is definitely cobbled together from various junk and crafts you might find at any prop studio. The two winged angels on the top are made from trophies, the lid is made from a picture frame, and the seemingly ornate “carvings” on the side are just squiggles from a hot glue gun painted gold.

“That original prop is somewhere in the LucasFilm archives at Skywalker Ranch,” Supp said. “People who want to replicate props have scoured every scene to copy all the little details on it. This is the closest anybody in the private market can get to owning the Ark of the Covenant from Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

Supp said that while his conservative estimate would put the Ark prop between $80,000 to $120,000, he admits he could see the prop earning a price tag “in the quarter-million-dollar range.”

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/27/steven-spielberg-might-not-direct-indiana-jones-5"]

If hearing all this news about a famous Indiana Jones prop has you excited for more adventures, you won’t have to wait too long. Indiana Jones 5 is currently in development. Here’s everything we know about Indiana Jones 5, including director options, cast and crew, release date, and more. Last we heard from Harrison Ford (who will be returning in his iconic role as Indy), filming begins shooting in April, although a recent director change may have shifted that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer/golden idol for IGN.

The first of the Fortnite loyalty challenges require players to steal security plans and choose between Ghost and Shadow, here's some help.

The first of the Fortnite loyalty challenges require players to steal security plans and choose between Ghost and Shadow, here's some help.

You’d be forgiven for forgetting that today, February 29, is Leap Day. You know, the day that comes about every four years because calendars and planetary rotations are weird. In any case, Red Dead Redemption 2 developer Rockstar Games definitely did not forget, and threw in a little treat for observant cowboys and cowgirls in the game’s online mode.

First spotted by Reddit user Moonshiner, a list of daily challenges popped up in Red Dead Online tasking players with, well, leaping a whole bunch on Leap Day.

Challenges include jumping from a horse onto a moving train, jumping from a horse onto a moving wagon, jumping from a horse onto...another horse, and jumping onto a horse from a height of at least three meters.

Nice one, Rockstar.

Reddit user jason21521 also pointed out that a daily challenge to "successfully fend off an ambush" could also count as "getting jumped." Bit of a leap itself, but we'll go with it. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/20/red-dead-redemption-2-online-recreated-in-dreams"]

If you want some assistance completing these challenges and others in Red Dead Online, check out our Red Dead Online wiki, where you’ll also find our huge interactive world map and more.

We’re pretty sure that Rockstar would prefer people to leap onto horses rather than leap into bed, given that a modder created a new version of the infamous Hot Coffee mod.

[poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer/cowpoke for IGN.

You’d be forgiven for forgetting that today, February 29, is Leap Day. You know, the day that comes about every four years because calendars and planetary rotations are weird. In any case, Red Dead Redemption 2 developer Rockstar Games definitely did not forget, and threw in a little treat for observant cowboys and cowgirls in the game’s online mode.

First spotted by Reddit user Moonshiner, a list of daily challenges popped up in Red Dead Online tasking players with, well, leaping a whole bunch on Leap Day.

Challenges include jumping from a horse onto a moving train, jumping from a horse onto a moving wagon, jumping from a horse onto...another horse, and jumping onto a horse from a height of at least three meters.

Nice one, Rockstar.

Reddit user jason21521 also pointed out that a daily challenge to "successfully fend off an ambush" could also count as "getting jumped." Bit of a leap itself, but we'll go with it. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/20/red-dead-redemption-2-online-recreated-in-dreams"]

If you want some assistance completing these challenges and others in Red Dead Online, check out our Red Dead Online wiki, where you’ll also find our huge interactive world map and more.

We’re pretty sure that Rockstar would prefer people to leap onto horses rather than leap into bed, given that a modder created a new version of the infamous Hot Coffee mod.

[poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer/cowpoke for IGN.

After 13 years working on the Call of Duty Zombies mode, co-creator Jason Blundell has announced his departure from Treyarch. The Treyarch Twitter account posted a short statement from Blundell about his departure and thoughts looking back. "During my time at the studio, I've been privileged to work on a variety of projects, wearing many hats along the way, with my time on the Zombies team proving to be quite special," Blundell wrote. "Clearly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t personally thank the group that continues to make it all worth it: The Zombies community! Your passion, enthusiasm -- and frankly, your craziness -- has been a continued source of inspiration. The beauty of Zombies is that it has always been about the interaction between us as developers and one of the most passionate player communities on the planet. These are memories I will cherish for a lifetime."

We wish to thank Jason for his many contributions to Treyarch. We’ve enjoyed our journey together and wish him the very best going forward! pic.twitter.com/Tb8o36VWb2

— Treyarch Studios (@Treyarch) February 28, 2020

Blundell first started at Treyarch back in 2006 as a producer on Call of Duty 3. Blundell's career spans across seven different Call of Duty games. His work on the Zombies mode in the Call of Duty franchise started immediately with Call of Duty: World at War. However, Blundell's Zombies' career truly took off in November 2016 when he became the co-studio head of Treyarch. It's unknown where Blundell is headed next and whether or not that includes game development. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=best-zombie-games-of-all-time&captions=true"] Take a look back at our Call of Duty coverage with Jason Blundell including the surprising rise of a Zombies mode, the introduction of a female protagonist, and if he can survive a real apocalypse. If you're keeping up with Modern Warfare, you can read the latest details we've learned about the game's supposed Battle Royale mode. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jeffrey Lerman is a Freelance News Writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @Snakester95.

After 13 years working on the Call of Duty Zombies mode, co-creator Jason Blundell has announced his departure from Treyarch. The Treyarch Twitter account posted a short statement from Blundell about his departure and thoughts looking back. "During my time at the studio, I've been privileged to work on a variety of projects, wearing many hats along the way, with my time on the Zombies team proving to be quite special," Blundell wrote. "Clearly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t personally thank the group that continues to make it all worth it: The Zombies community! Your passion, enthusiasm -- and frankly, your craziness -- has been a continued source of inspiration. The beauty of Zombies is that it has always been about the interaction between us as developers and one of the most passionate player communities on the planet. These are memories I will cherish for a lifetime."

We wish to thank Jason for his many contributions to Treyarch. We’ve enjoyed our journey together and wish him the very best going forward! pic.twitter.com/Tb8o36VWb2

— Treyarch Studios (@Treyarch) February 28, 2020

Blundell first started at Treyarch back in 2006 as a producer on Call of Duty 3. Blundell's career spans across seven different Call of Duty games. His work on the Zombies mode in the Call of Duty franchise started immediately with Call of Duty: World at War. However, Blundell's Zombies' career truly took off in November 2016 when he became the co-studio head of Treyarch. It's unknown where Blundell is headed next and whether or not that includes game development. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=best-zombie-games-of-all-time&captions=true"] Take a look back at our Call of Duty coverage with Jason Blundell including the surprising rise of a Zombies mode, the introduction of a female protagonist, and if he can survive a real apocalypse. If you're keeping up with Modern Warfare, you can read the latest details we've learned about the game's supposed Battle Royale mode. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jeffrey Lerman is a Freelance News Writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @Snakester95.

Filming on James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad has officially wrapped. Director Gunn celebrated the accomplishment by sharing a photo of the cast and crew, along with a heartfelt tribute to some loved ones of his.

“And that’s a wrap on #TheSuicideSquad,” Gunn wrote. “My father died two weeks before we started filming and my dog died two weeks before the end. It was a hard, hard time in my life and yet the most fulfilling time I’ve ever had making a movie. The professionalism, talent, compassion and kindness of this cast and crew inspired me every day. Thanks to everyone involved in this film, in every stage of development, in every department - I am grateful from the bottom of my heart for you all. You are why I make movies.”

Gunn’s Suicide Squad still has lots of time to bake before it’s ready for the filmgoing public, though. The Suicide Squad is scheduled to release on August 6, 2021. Margot Robbie (who can be seen front and center of the Instagram post) returns as Harley, alongside Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Idris Elba, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Guardians of the Galaxy star Michael Rooker, Nathan Fillion, John Cena, Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who), Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi, and SNL’s Pete Davidson, among others. Will Smith’s Deadshot reportedly won’t be returning due to scheduling conflicts. Gunn has previously teased that fans shouldn’t get too attached to the cast, indicating the film may have quite the body count.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-actor-and-character-confirmed-for-dcs-the-suicide-squad&captions=true"]

Producer Pete Safran has said the film is a “total reboot,” and not a sequel to David Ayers critically panned 2016 film.

While fans are no doubt happy to see Gunn lending his efforts to the DC cinematic universe, don’t get your hopes up for any James Gunn Superman movie. You might also be surprised to hear which screenplay Gunn says he’s enjoyed the most. Thankfully, we also have Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to look forward to, which Gunn was re-hired by Disney to direct. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer for IGN.

Filming on James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad has officially wrapped. Director Gunn celebrated the accomplishment by sharing a photo of the cast and crew, along with a heartfelt tribute to some loved ones of his.

“And that’s a wrap on #TheSuicideSquad,” Gunn wrote. “My father died two weeks before we started filming and my dog died two weeks before the end. It was a hard, hard time in my life and yet the most fulfilling time I’ve ever had making a movie. The professionalism, talent, compassion and kindness of this cast and crew inspired me every day. Thanks to everyone involved in this film, in every stage of development, in every department - I am grateful from the bottom of my heart for you all. You are why I make movies.”

Gunn’s Suicide Squad still has lots of time to bake before it’s ready for the filmgoing public, though. The Suicide Squad is scheduled to release on August 6, 2021. Margot Robbie (who can be seen front and center of the Instagram post) returns as Harley, alongside Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Idris Elba, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Guardians of the Galaxy star Michael Rooker, Nathan Fillion, John Cena, Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who), Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi, and SNL’s Pete Davidson, among others. Will Smith’s Deadshot reportedly won’t be returning due to scheduling conflicts. Gunn has previously teased that fans shouldn’t get too attached to the cast, indicating the film may have quite the body count.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-actor-and-character-confirmed-for-dcs-the-suicide-squad&captions=true"]

Producer Pete Safran has said the film is a “total reboot,” and not a sequel to David Ayers critically panned 2016 film.

While fans are no doubt happy to see Gunn lending his efforts to the DC cinematic universe, don’t get your hopes up for any James Gunn Superman movie. You might also be surprised to hear which screenplay Gunn says he’s enjoyed the most. Thankfully, we also have Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to look forward to, which Gunn was re-hired by Disney to direct. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer for IGN.