April 13, 2007 - After months of rumors and speculation, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have confirmed Shia LaBeouf is part of the cast of the fourth movie of the Indiana Jones franchise. LaBeouf joins returning Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford and series newcomer Cate Blanchett.
LaBeouf's spent the last month or so addressing Indiana Jones 4 rumors. LaBeouf usually answered questions about his involvement in Indy 4 by saying he's happy about the rumors, but didn't know anything more about the casting news than the media did. In a statement issued by Paramount/Lucasfilm LaBeouf now says, "I was hoping the rumors were true, so I couldn't be more thrilled. To be cast in an Indiana Jones film is like grabbing the brass ring and holding on for the ride. I'll do my best to meet the high standards that Steven, George, and Harrison have set and I can't wait to take that giant step in front of the Indy cameras."
The statement also included a quote from Steven Spielberg. "We are excited about bringing Shia into our Indy family," said Spielberg. "His talent has impressed not only his audiences throughout his young career but the directors, producers and fellow actors who have worked with him in his television career and now his film career."
Indiana Jones 4 (the working title) will be directed by Spielberg from a script by David Koepp (War of the Worlds). Frank Marshall is producing the movie with George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy executive producing.
Filming is set to start in June with Paramount Pictures aiming for a May 22, 2008 release.
